While extra football is always fun, even die-hard fans can have a hard time keeping up with the NFL's evolving overtime rules.

From 1974 to 2010, tie games were decided with a 15-minute sudden-death period. In 2010, the NFL implemented a "modified sudden death," where a first-possession touchdown would end the game but, after a first-possession field goal, the opposing team would also get an opportunity to possess the ball. In 2017, the NFL shortened the overtime period to 10 minutes.

The past decade has brought some bigger changes. After the Kansas City Chiefs' 42-36 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the 2022 AFC divisional round, NFL owners approved a rule change that ensures both teams get a chance to possess the ball during overtime of a playoff game. In 2025, NFL clubs approv

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