NFL’s New Overtime Rule Brings Strategic Shift and More Ties

The NFL adopted a revised overtime rule for the 2025 season, granting both teams a guaranteed possession in regular season overtime—even if the first team scores a touchdown. This rule, previously limited to the postseason, aims to address concerns over fairness, especially following a surge in opening-drive wins. Despite the change, Sunday’s 40-40 tie between the Cowboys and Packers was resolved by exchanged field goals and didn’t invoke the new rule. Since 2017, regular season overtime has remained 10 minutes long, increasing the likelihood of ties. The Cowboys have now played in two overtime games this season, both ending with 37-37 regulation scores. Historically, only five games have ended in a tie after both teams scored in overtime. The league hopes this rule enhances competitive balance, though it introduces new late-game decision-making challenges for teams.

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Source: AP News