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How Does Overtime Work in the Super Bowl? A Complete Guide to the Rules
As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, fans are bracing for what bookmakers predict will be a tightly contested affair. With the Seahawks entering as slight favourites but holding a strong recent record of four wins in their last five meetings against the Patriots, the possibility of overtime looms large. This makes a thorough understanding of the NFL's overtime regulations, which were significantly revised in 2022, essential for viewers.
What Are the Super Bowl Overtime Rules?
The rules governing overtime in postseason games, including the Super Bowl, differ notably from those used during the regular season. According to the official NFL website, the key provisions for playoff overtime are as follows:
- Play continues indefinitely through as many overtime periods as necessary to determine a winner.
- A brief two-minute intermission is observed between each overtime period, with no halftime break after the second period.
- Each team is guaranteed at least one possession of the football, except in the rare instance where the team receiving the opening kickoff commits a safety, which would immediately end the game.
- The team that loses the initial overtime coin toss will choose whether to possess the ball or select which goal to defend, unless the winning team defers that choice.
- Teams are allotted three timeouts per half, and the timing rules that apply at the end of the second and fourth regulation periods also govern the conclusion of a second or fourth overtime period.
- If the score remains tied after four overtime periods, another coin toss is conducted, and play continues until a victor emerges.
When Did the Overtime Rules Change?
The NFL implemented crucial amendments to its overtime rules ahead of the 2022/23 season, a decision prompted by a memorable playoff encounter. The catalyst was the 2021 AFC Divisional playoff game, where the Kansas City Chiefs secured an overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills. Under the previous regulations, if the team receiving the opening possession scored a touchdown, the game would conclude instantly, denying the opposing team an opportunity to respond.
In that pivotal match, the Chiefs won the coin toss, gained possession, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes orchestrated a drive culminating in an eight-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce. This abrupt ending, which many attributed largely to the coin toss outcome, spurred the league to revise its policy. The current rules now ensure both teams receive at least one possession, even if the initial drive results in a touchdown, fostering a fairer and more competitive overtime environment.
How Often Does the Super Bowl Require Overtime?
Despite the Super Bowl being an annual event since 1967, only two editions have ever proceeded to overtime to decide the champion. The most recent occurrence was in 2024, when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers were locked at 19-19 after regulation time, with the Chiefs ultimately triumphing 25-22.
Prior to that, Super Bowl LI in 2017 between the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots stands as the sole other instance. In a legendary comeback, the Patriots erased a 28-3 deficit to force overtime at 28-28. Winning the coin toss, New England drove down the field, and a touchdown from running back James White sealed a historic 34-28 victory, cementing it as one of the most iconic Super Bowl wins ever.
How Can I Watch Super Bowl LX?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl LX will be available across multiple platforms. The game will be broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5. Additionally, Sky Sports will provide live coverage, and DAZN will stream the action via NFL Game Pass, ensuring fans have ample options to catch every moment of the showdown between the Seahawks and Patriots.
