As the NFL playoffs intensify, fans are keenly looking forward to understanding the playoff overtime rules and procedures. With the AFC Wild Card round underway, teams are battling for a spot in the divisional round.
NFL Playoff Overtime Overview
In the current playoffs, teams that finish regulation play with a tied score can expect overtime. Buffalo Bills forced overtime against the Denver Broncos recently, showcasing the dramatic stakes involved.
Key Overtime Rules
- The overtime period lasts 15 minutes in playoffs, compared to 10 minutes in the regular season.
- Each team is allocated three timeouts for the overtime period.
- Both teams receive at least one possession, even if the first team scores a touchdown.
- If the score remains tied after each team’s possession, the next score wins the game.
- A safety on the first possession results in a win for the kickoff team.
- No extra points are attempted if the game concludes with a touchdown.
- Replays are handled by the replay official, not through coach challenges.
2026 NFL Playoff Schedule
The NFL playoff schedule outlines a series of critical dates:
| Round | Date |
|---|---|
| Wild Card Round | Jan. 10 – Jan. 12, 2026 |
| Divisional Round | Jan. 17 – Jan. 18, 2026 |
| Conference Championship | Jan. 25, 2026 |
| Super Bowl | Feb. 8, 2026 |
This year’s playoff excitement culminates at Super Bowl 60, set to take place in Santa Clara, California, in February. As teams compete fiercely, understanding NFL playoff overtime rules can enhance the viewing experience for fans everywhere.
