How does overtime work in the NFL?

Overtime in the NFL is a period of additional gameplay used to determine a winner in the event of a tied score at the end of regulation. The rules for overtime have evolved over time, and the current format, implemented in 2017, follows the following guidelines:

Coin Toss: A coin toss is conducted before overtime to determine which team will possess the ball first. The winner of the coin toss can choose to either receive the ball or select which end of the field they want to defend.

Possession: Each team has an opportunity to possess the ball at least once, unless the team that possesses the ball first scores a touchdown on their initial possession.

Opening Possession: The team that possesses the ball first has the opportunity to score a touchdown and win the game outright. If they score a field goal on their opening possession, the opposing team will have an opportunity to possess the ball and either tie the game with a field goal or win it with a touchdown.

Game Continuation: If the game is tied after both teams have had a possession, the game continues under a "modified sudden death" format. In this format, the next team to score (either by a touchdown or a field goal) will win the game.

Overtime Period Length: The overtime period consists of one 10-minute quarter, with both teams having an opportunity to possess the ball. However, if the team that possesses the ball first scores a touchdown on their opening possession, the game ends immediately, and they are declared the winner.

Timeouts and Challenges: Each team is granted two timeouts per overtime period. Coaches can also challenge certain calls, but only if they have at least one timeout remaining.

Two-Minute Warning: The two-minute warning is not used in overtime unless it carries over from the end of the fourth quarter.

Tie Games: In regular-season games, if the score remains tied at the end of the 10-minute overtime period, the game ends in a tie. However, in postseason games (playoffs), additional overtime periods are played until there is a winner.

It's important to note that the rules and format for overtime in the NFL are subject to change, and variations may occur in different leagues or competitions.

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