2026 NFL Overtime Rules: Possessions, Scoring and Ties

Aug 9

2 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

In 2026, a touchdown on the opening possession does not by itself end NFL overtime. Both teams ordinarily receive an opportunity to possess the ball. The regular season still has a strict limit of one ten minute overtime period.

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That limit matters: time can expire before the second team begins or finishes its possession. A game tied at that point ends in a tie. A playoff game continues until there is a winner.

Follow the first two opportunities

If the first team does not score, the next score wins. The second team can win with a field goal.

If the first team kicks a field goal, the second team wins with a touchdown or ties with a field goal. If its possession ends without matching the score, it loses.

If the first team scores a touchdown, the second can answer. When the first team has seven points, the second can tie with a touchdown and extra point or win with a touchdown and successful two point conversion. An unsuccessful required answer ends the game.

If the teams remain tied after both opening opportunities, the next score wins, provided regular season time remains.

Important exceptions

The team kicking off wins immediately if it scores a safety on the receiving team’s initial possession.

An opportunity to possess is not an unconditional promise of an offensive drive. Recovery and possession rules also matter on kicks and turnovers. An interception return touchdown on the opening possession, for example, ends the game because the defending team gains possession and scores.

A live play is allowed to finish when the clock reaches zero, and normal scoring and penalty administration still applies.

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season overtime lasts at most ten minutes and grants two timeouts per team. Playoff periods last fifteen minutes, with three timeouts per team in an overtime half. Additional playoff periods continue when needed, including when the second team’s opening possession is unfinished.

Replay reviews in overtime are initiated by officials, not coach challenges.

Receiving first offers the chance to lead and consume regular season time. Possessing second reveals exactly what score is needed. Neither choice guarantees an advantage in every matchup: offense, defense, weather and the clock all affect the decision.