NFL Approves Major Change To Overtime Rules

The NFL has approved a major change to its overtime rules, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.

Rapoport reports "Playing Rule Proposal 1" -- which guarantees both teams at least one possession in overtime -- was amended during the league meetings on Tuesday (March 29), but it will only be effective for the postseason, a source with knowledge confirmed.

"Playing Rule Proposal 1 was amended. Both teams are now guaranteed a possession in overtime — but it’s now postseason only. It was approved, per source," Rapoport tweeted.

Playing Rule Proposal 1 -- which was proposed by the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles -- aims to allow both teams the opportunity to possess the ball in overtime.

Additionally, the league also approved an amendment to its anti-tampering police -- which was proposed by the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to amend the Anti-Tampering Policy "to allow the employer club the choice to retain its player personnel staff through the Annual Selection meeting, as well as a proposal by the Competition Committee to make the free kick formation change implemented last season -- which establishes a maximum number of players in the set up zone -- permanent.

Pelissero reports the modification to the proposal was to initially enforce the rule in the postseason.

"The number on coin toss winners also winning the game are far more skewered in postseason, so they'll start there," Pelissero tweeted.

The approved proposal comes months after the Buffalo Bills lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime of the AFC Divisional Round Game, despite not having a possession after regulation.

"So under the new overtime rules, [Bills quarterback] Josh Allen would get the ball in that same playoff-game scenario. And if the game is tied after each team gets its shot, then sudden death ensues," Pelissero tweeted.

Rapoport confirmed the overtime rules change was passed by a vote of 29-3 by the league's owners.