The NFL changed its overtime rule for playoff games after a controversial finish to the 2022 AFC Divisional Round game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. The rule change ensures both teams have a chance to possess the ball in overtime, unlike the previous system that ended the game if the first team scored a touchdown on its opening drive.
The final quarter of the AFC divisional round playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 23, 2022, could not have been more exciting. Three lead changes. Five scoring drives.
A 36-36 tie at the end of regulation. The overtime period, however, could not have been more disappointing. One coin toss. One touchdown drive. Game over. One of the most exciting playoff games in recent memory — a quarterback duel between Buffalo's Josh Allen and Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes — ended abruptly in a 42-36 Chiefs win when Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce on an eight-yard touchdown pass. Unlike the thrilling fourth quarter, Allen didn't get a chance to respond because of the overtime rule the NFL had in place at the time. Months later, that rule was changed for the playoffs. That version remains in place this postseason, including Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chiefs on Feb. 9. in New Orleans. Here's what you need to know about the rule: The previous system was the same as the one still in place for regular-season games. It's basically a modified sudden-death system that gives each team at least one chance to score — with one big exception. If the team that first possesses the ball in overtime scores a touchdown on that drive, that team wins. The game is over, with the other offense never getting a chance to take the field in overtime. If the first team kicks a field goal, the other team gets a possession to either win the game with a touchdown or tie it with a field goal. In the latter case, the game continues until someone scores. It's basically a modified modified sudden-death system that gives both teams a chance to score. Period. If the first team scores a touchdown, the other team gets a possession to tie the game with a touchdown of its own. Everything else remains the same from the previous format. Team owners voted to amend the postseason overtime rules at the annual league meetings March 29, 2022, in Palm Beach, Fla. It's no coincidence that the decision came just weeks after the Bills-Chiefs playoff game. “In the Buffalo game this year, it was the greatest 20, 30 minutes of football that I’ve ever seen, ever,” Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee, said at the league meetings. “To think that it ended that way definitely brought up the idea of, ‘Hey, is that equitable? Does that work for everybody?’ I have no question that started the discussion.” Between 2010 and 2022, 12 playoff games went into overtime, with seven of those decided on the opening possession of the extra period. “We always listen to the fans, that’s the important thing,' league commissioner Roger Goodell said at the meetings. 'We are always looking to improve and I think what really drove the decision was the database, ultimately, and looking at the facts and what’s happened.” Of course, no one knows who would have prevailed had Josh Allen and the Bills gotten a chance to tie the game. It's safe to say, however, most fans would have found the ending much more satisfying regardless of which team prevailed.
NFL Overtime Rule Playoffs Bills Chiefs Josh Allen Patrick Mahomes
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