Quick answer: Under the NFL’s 2026 rules, an opening offensive touchdown does not automatically end overtime. Both teams normally have an opportunity to possess the ball, subject to the rulebook’s exceptions and the regular-season clock. Regular-season overtime ends after one 10-minute period even if the second team has not had its opportunity or has not finished its initial possession. Postseason overtime uses 15-minute periods and continues if the score is tied or the second team’s initial possession has not ended.
This guide answers the common question, “Do both teams get the ball in NFL overtime?” with a plain-English breakdown, examples, and a comparison table based on Rule 16 in the official 2026 NFL Rulebook.
NFL overtime rules at a glance
| Rule | Regular season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime period | One period, up to 10 minutes | 15-minute periods |
| First possession touchdown | Opponent has an opportunity, subject to the 10-minute limit | Opponent has an opportunity; its unfinished initial possession continues into another period |
| Can the game end tied? | Yes, if the score is tied when the period ends | No; additional periods are played if needed |
| Number of periods | One | As many as needed |
| Coin toss | Visiting captain calls the toss | Visiting captain calls the opening toss; the first-toss loser chooses at the start of the third overtime period unless the winner deferred; a new toss follows four overtime periods |
Do both teams get the ball if the first team scores a touchdown?
Normally, yes, but the regular-season clock can prevent or cut short the second team’s opportunity. An opening offensive touchdown does not automatically end overtime. Rule 16, Article 3(d), limits regular-season overtime to one 10-minute period even if the second team has not had an opportunity or has not finished its first possession. In the postseason, Article 4(d) provides another period if the score is tied or the second team’s initial possession has not ended.
For example, if Team A scores an opening offensive touchdown while time remains, Team B can respond with a touchdown and an extra-point or two-point try. In the regular season, the 10-minute limit still ends the period even if Team B has not finished its initial possession; the score then determines a win or tie, subject to applicable down-extension rules. In the postseason, an unfinished initial possession by Team B continues into another period. Consult Rule 16 with the general timing and scoring rules for a play at the horn.
A defensive score can end the game on the opening possession. If the defense returns a turnover for a touchdown, the opponent has scored before taking an offensive possession of its own. The NFL describes this as an exception to the “both teams get an opportunity” principle. The rulebook also includes a safety exception for a team kicking off to start overtime if the receiving team’s initial possession ends in a safety.
How regular-season NFL overtime works in 2026
- Coin toss: At the end of regulation, the referee conducts a coin toss. The visiting team’s captain calls it.
- One 10-minute period: After a short intermission, teams play one overtime period. The period is shorter than postseason overtime.
- Both teams get an opportunity: Each team normally has an opportunity to possess the ball, subject to the 10-minute limit and the rulebook’s safety and defensive-score provisions.
- Score determines the winner: After each team’s opportunity, the team with more points wins. If the first team does not score on its initial possession, or the score is tied after both opportunities, the next score wins. The 10-minute limit still applies.
- A tie is possible: If the score remains tied when the 10-minute period ends, the regular-season game is recorded as a tie.
- Two timeouts per team: Each team receives two timeouts for the regular-season overtime period.
That means winning the opening coin toss still matters, because it lets a team choose whether to receive or defer. But a touchdown on the opening possession no longer automatically ends overtime before the other team can respond.
How NFL playoff overtime works
Postseason overtime also gives each team an opportunity to possess the ball, including after an opening-possession touchdown. The important difference is that playoff games cannot finish tied. If the score is tied after a 15-minute overtime period, or the second team’s initial possession has not ended, another period is played. The teams continue until a winner is determined.
- Each overtime period lasts 15 minutes.
- Both teams get an opportunity to possess the ball under the overtime procedure.
- If the score is tied when a period ends, or the second team’s initial possession has not ended, another period follows.
- There are no regular-season ties in the playoffs; a winner must be decided.
- Teams receive three timeouts per half during postseason overtime.
- At the beginning of the third overtime period, the captain who lost the initial toss has the first choice of the usual toss privileges unless the initial winner deferred. Teams change goals after the first and third periods. If four overtime periods end without a winner, another coin toss is held.
What happens after a field goal on the first possession?
If the first team kicks a field goal, the opponent normally has an opportunity to possess the ball, subject to the regular-season clock and applicable rules. A touchdown by the second team can win the game; a field goal can tie the score and send play into the remaining overtime time or another postseason period. If the second team fails to score, the first team leads. In the regular season, the 10-minute limit still matters; in the postseason, the game continues if no winner has been decided.
Why NFL overtime rules changed
The rules changed in stages. The NFL first adopted modified sudden-death overtime for postseason games in 2010, then extended a version to regular-season games in 2012. The league shortened regular-season overtime from 15 minutes to 10 in 2017. In 2022, playoff rules were changed so both teams could possess the ball after the opening team scored a touchdown. In 2025, clubs approved aligning regular-season possession opportunities with the postseason approach, while keeping the regular-season period at 10 minutes. The NFL’s rules-change summary and its 2026 rulebook document the current framework.
Frequently asked questions
Can an NFL regular-season game end in a tie after overtime?
Yes. Regular-season overtime is limited to one 10-minute period. If the game is still tied when that period ends, it is recorded as a tie.
Can an NFL playoff game end in a tie?
No. Playoff overtime continues in additional 15-minute periods until one team wins.
Does the team that wins the coin toss automatically win?
No. Winning the toss gives a team a choice about the opening possession or field direction. It does not guarantee a win. Both teams normally have an opportunity to possess the ball, subject to the rulebook’s exceptions and the regular-season 10-minute limit.
Is NFL overtime sudden death?
Not in the old, simple sense that the first touchdown always ends the game. The current system normally provides both teams an opportunity, subject to the regular-season clock and the defensive-score and safety provisions. If the opening team does not score, the next score wins. After that, scoring can decide the winner, and the clock and whether the game is regular season or postseason determine what happens next.
To connect overtime rules with records and sport-specific denominators, see Batting Average vs On-Base Percentage: Walks Change the Comparison.
Sources and method
Rules in this explainer were checked against the National Football League’s 2026 NFL Rulebook, Rule 16: Overtime Procedures, and the league’s featured rules summary. Because rule wording and game administration can be precise, consult the official rulebook for edge cases and live-game decisions. Last checked: October 25, 2026.
Overtime rules also affect how a team’s record should be interpreted across seasons. For a broader guide to comparing records fairly, see winning percentage, sample size, and rule context.
Correction October 25, 2026: Clarified that the regular-season 10-minute limit applies even if the second team has not had or completed its initial possession. Corrected the postseason choice at the start of the third overtime period and the new toss after four periods. These are clarifications of the current Rule 16, not new rule changes.