If an NFL game ends in a tie, the game ends in overtime (Overtime) continued.
Overtime begins with a coin toss. The visiting team captain conducts the coin toss. The winner of the coin toss can choose to take the kick or kick off, or the team that wins the coin toss can choose which goal to defend.
If the team receiving the kickoff scores a touchdown on the kickoff return or subsequent drive, the game is over and the team wins the game. There are no one or two point conversion attempts.
If the team receiving the kickoff fails to score a touchdown or field goal on their first possession, the team that scores next wins the game.
If the team receiving the kickoff is tackled for a safety in the endzone, the game is over and the kicking team wins the game.
If the team receiving the kickoff scores a field goal on first possession, the second team is given the opportunity to possess the ball.
If the first team scores a field goal and the second team scores a touchdown, the game is over and the second team wins the game. There is no PAT or two-point conversion.
If, after a field goal by the first team, the second team scores a field goal, the team that scores next wins the game.
If the second team does not score a field goal after a field goal by the first team while in possession, the game is over and the first team wins.
If the second team loses possession of the ball through an interception or fumble after a field goal by the first team, play is continued to completion. For example, the first team can return the ball for a touchdown and win by nine points. Or, the first team loses possession during the drive, the second team can retake the ball, and the second team can carry it back for a touchdown and win the game.
Possession simply means the ability to own the ball. An onside kick, a botched kickoff return, or a ball recovered by the kicking team is an opportunity to possess the ball.
In the regular season, overtime is 10 minutes. If it is still a tie after the additional 10 minutes, the game ends in a tie. Both teams have two timeouts and a two minute warning.
In the postseason, the first overtime lasts 15 minutes. If the score is still tied after the first 15 minutes, another 15-minute overtime begins, and so on until the game is over.
After the second 15-minute overtime, the third overtime begins with a kickoff. Both teams have three time-outs in each of the two quarters of added time.
Photo: IMAGO / Icon SMI