How does overtime work in the NFL from a rules standpoint? The Athletic has you covered with a full breakdown.

One week into the 2024 NFL season and fans have already felt the excitement of an overtime game. The Lions needed an extra period to defeat the Rams in a Week 1 "Sunday Night Football" showdown. Detroit scored a touchdown to put the game away on the opening drive without allowing Los Angeles to touch the ball.

That’s different in the playoffs, and maybe that’s what happened with Cris Collinsworth on Sunday night, when the Detroit Lions were busy marching down the field to ultimately score a TD to beat the Los Angeles Rams in overtime.

Overtime periods can have a pivotal impact on game results. Here are key facts on regular-season and postseason overtime rules in the NFL.

The stage was set for a thrilling finish, until the NFL’s putrid overtime rules reared its ugly head. Unlike postseason playoff rules where both offenses get a chance even if the first team scores a touchdown,

For NFL enthusiasts looking to expand their football horizons into the college game, perhaps the starkest difference in rules has to do with the overtime period. First thing first: There are no ties,