The 2026 NFL playoffs are upon us, with the NFC and AFC title games on tap, and as the stakes change so do the overtime rules. Let’s dive into exactly how before the final two pre-Super Bowl games get going.
Both teams get at least one possession in overtime, a rule change made after the controversial 2022 AFC Championship game. The Buffalo Bills lost that one to the Kansas City Chiefs after failing to get a possession in overtime, as you might recall.
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A playoff game also cannot end in a tie, so if the score is even after the first overtime period, the teams will play as many are needed for a winner to emerge. Between each overtime period a two-minute intermission will take place. Additionally, the second and fourth overtime periods are subject to the same timing rules as the second and fourth regulation periods.
Like the regular season, overtime will not feature any instant replay coach’s challenges as all reviews are initiated by the replay official.
No playoff games went to overtime last season, so perhaps we’re due for some this year. There’s nothing better than some extra football, especially in the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Overtime rules for NFL playoffs in NFC, AFC conference championships