‘It solves nothing.’ Reaction mixed to NFL overtime rules changes in playoff games
NFL owners voted to change the overtime rules in the playoffs to allow both teams at least one possession.
The vote passed 29-3, according to reports. The Dolphins, Bengals and Vikings voted against the change.
The regular season overtime rules will remain unchanged, in which a coin toss decides which team receives the ball first. If the first team scores a touchdown on its first possession, the game is over, with the opponent never having a chance to tie the game.
Now, in the playoffs, at least, teams will have an opportunity to keep the game going with a game-tying touchdown. After that, the next score wins the game.
Changing the overtime rules became a hot topic after January’s AFC divisional round playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs won 42-36 with a touchdown after winning the OT coin toss after the teams had played a wild fourth quarter.
History shows that overtime games in the playoffs have heavily leaned in favor of the team winning the coin toss. The team that got the ball first was 10-2 in OT games since the rules were changed in 2010.
This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 4:29 PM.
