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A big change is coming to NFL overtime in the postseason. NFL owners have agreed to each team getting an overtime possession in playoff games.
Approved 2022 Playing Rules and Resolutions https://t.co/79ea5Mh1zU pic.twitter.com/rJDhEMOKD3
— NFL345 (@NFL345) March 29, 2022
Calls for a change to the overtime rules ramped up after this year’s thrilling AFC playoff game between Kansas City and Buffalo. After an action-packed 4th quarter with scores from both teams in the final minutes, the Chiefs won in overtime by receiving the kickoff and scoring a touchdown on the possession that followed. Many fans expressed disappointment that the Buffalo offense did not get a chance to answer.
Under the new rules, the Bills would have gotten the ball after Kansas City’s extra point attempt. If the teams are tied after they each get a possession, overtime will go to sudden death.
So under the new overtime rules, Josh Allen would get the ball in that same playoff-game scenario. And if the game is tied after each team gets its shot, then sudden death ensues …
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 29, 2022
With the new rules, fans can expect to see teams going for 2 in playoff overtime games.
There was a separate proposal that would’ve allowed the first team to end the game by scoring a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. This isn’t that proposal. So the choice to go for 2 would be a strategic one to not cede control of the situation, now that both teams get the ball.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 29, 2022
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.