NFL owners voted last March to create new overtime rules during the playoffs. There have been 13 playoff games since 2000 that have ended during an overtime period, including two last season.
Three have ended with a game-winning field goal on a team's first possession in overtime. This includes last season in the NFC Championship game when the New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 31-28.
New Overtime Playoff Rules
The fundamental basis of the new overtime rule is that each team will be afforded one possession in overtime, unless the initial overtime possession results in a touchdown. The thing or word to pay closest attention to when understanding the new overtime playoff rules is "possession."
Touchdown on opening possession: Team A receives the ball and scores a touchdown on its opening possession of overtime. In this case, Team A wins.
Field goal on opening possession: Team A receives the ball first and kicks a field goal on its opening possession of overtime. Team B then has the opportunity to have a possession.
If Team B scores a touchdown on its first possession, Team B wins. If Team B also kicks a field goal on its first possession, then regular sudden-death overtime rules go into effect. But, if Team B does not score a touchdown or at least kick a field goal, then Team A wins.
Simple to understand: Just think Possession, Possession
At any point in which either team possesses the ball, that team has had an opportunity for a possession. Here is a comprehensive listing of scenarios that could arise that you should be aware of:
On-side kick is a logical thought for opening kickoff of overtime
The odds are stacked in the kicking teams favor if that team elects to try an on-side kick. If Team A tries an on-side kick to begin the overtime period and recovers it, Team B will have already had an opportunity for a possession. Team A now could win the game with just a field goal.
If Team A attempts an on-side kick, but Team B recovers it. Team B gets the ball at that spot, but Team A is not considered to have had a possession.
Muffed punt or kickoff is considered a possession
Team A is set to return a punt or kickoff from Team B, but Team A muffs the punt or kickoff. Team B then recovers the ball. Team A's muff is considered a possession. A field goal would now win the game for Team B.
Safety ends the game
On Team A's first possession, a Team B player tackles a Team A player in the end zone for a safety. The game is over. Team B wins.
