Understanding NFL Playoff Overtime: How the Rules Work

The NFL playoffs feature a competitive format, involving 14 teams vying for the championship title at Super Bowl 60 in February 2026. As teams enter the wild-card round, the stakes rise, and anticipation builds among NFL fans.

Understanding NFL Playoff Overtime Rules

With the possibility of games extending beyond regulation time, understanding the NFL playoff overtime rules is crucial. The 2025 postseason has already showcased exciting moments, including a recent wild-card game that went to overtime.

Key Overtime Rules

• The overtime period lasts for 15 minutes, compared to 10 minutes in the regular season.
• If a game is tied after regulation, a coin toss determines possession.
• Each team is allotted three timeouts during the overtime period.
• Both teams are guaranteed a possession, but the game does not necessarily end if the first team scoring gets a touchdown.
• If the score remains tied after both teams have had their chance, the next score wins.
• A safety by the first team to possess the ball allows the kickoff team to win the game.

Importantly, if a touchdown ends the game, no extra points are attempted. All reviews are overseen by the replay official rather than relying on a coach’s challenge.

Upcoming Playoff Schedule

The current playoff schedule is as follows:

This season, with six overtime playoff games occurring in the past six seasons, the potential for thrilling upsets and dramatic finishes unfolds. Fans can stay tuned for all updates and analyses at Filmogaz.com as the exciting playoffs continue to unfold.