Is there double overtime in NFL? New rules for regular and postseason games explained

The NFL's new overtime rules apply to both the regular season and the playoffs. In the regular season, overtime lasts 10 mins, and if no team wins, it's a tie.

Updated on: Sep 15, 2025, 03:15:55 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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The National Football League has implemented the new overtime rules, previously used for playoff games, for regular-season as well as post-season games. The first overtime of this season took place in the Week 2 match-up between New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook crosses the goal line to score a touchdown against the New York Jets. (AP)

However, unlike the playoffs, in the NFL regular season, there is no double overtime — games can only go into one 10-minute overtime period, and if neither team wins, it ends in a tie.

The new rules around overtime sparked a lot of confusion among fans, as the Dallas vs Giants game saw the first overtime being played. The high-voltage conlusion of the match ended with a disappointment for Jerry Jones' team, as they lost 37-40.

This story is being updated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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