NFL Overtime Rules Explained for 2026 Super Bowl

Both teams will get a chance to possess the ball in overtime, with sudden death rules still in effect.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 11:55am

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The NFL has updated its overtime rules for the 2026 Super Bowl, ensuring that both teams will have an opportunity to possess the ball in the extra period. However, the sudden-death format remains in effect, meaning the first team to score after both have had a possession will win the game.

Why it matters

The new overtime rules were implemented after a controversial playoff game in 2022 between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, where the team that won the coin toss and scored a touchdown on the opening drive won the game without the other team getting a chance to respond. The 2026 Super Bowl will be the first big test of the updated overtime format.

The details

Under the new rules, if the game is tied at the end of regulation, both teams will get a chance to possess the ball in overtime. The first team to score will take the lead, but if the game is still tied after the initial overtime possessions, the sudden-death format will resume, with the next team to score winning the game. In the extremely unlikely event that overtime ends in a tie, additional overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined.

  • The new NFL overtime rules were implemented in 2022 after the controversial Bills-Chiefs playoff game.

The players

Seattle Seahawks

One of the teams competing in the 2026 Super Bowl.

New England Patriots

The other team competing in the 2026 Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“Years ago, a team could just kick a field goal and end the game on the first possession of overtime of a playoff game. But that isn't the case anymore. Both teams will, at the very least, have an opportunity to score.”

— Michael Sykes, Author

What’s next

The 2026 Super Bowl between the Seahawks and Patriots will be the first big test of the NFL's new overtime rules.

The takeaway

The updated NFL overtime rules aim to ensure fairness and prevent a repeat of the controversial 2022 Bills-Chiefs playoff game, where one team won without the other getting a chance to respond. This will be an important test case for the new format as the league seeks to improve the overtime experience for fans and players alike.