The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are set to clash in Super Bowl LIX, and with the game expected to be tight, fans may need a refresher on overtime rules. The NFL amended its postseason overtime rules ahead of the 2022/23 season, guaranteeing each team at least one possession even if the first team scores a touchdown.
Under the new rules, if the first team with the ball scores a touchdown, the opposing team gets a chance to respond. Previously, a touchdown on the opening drive would end the game—a scenario that sparked controversy after the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the 2021 AFC Divisional playoff game, where the Chiefs won the coin toss and scored a touchdown without the Bills getting a possession.
Only two Super Bowls have ever gone to overtime. The most recent was in 2024, when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22. The first was Super Bowl LI in 2017, where the Patriots came back from a 28-3 deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 after winning the coin toss and scoring a touchdown.
The Seahawks enter as slight favourites, having won four of their last five meetings with the Patriots. The Patriots, meanwhile, return to the Super Bowl with second-year quarterback Drake Maye, marking a new era after Tom Brady's 10 Super Bowl appearances and seven wins.
UK viewers can watch the game live on Channel 5, Sky Sports, or DAZN via NFL Game Pass.
