The NFL is considering changes to overtime rules in the regular season to reduce the advantage for teams winning the coin toss. League executive Troy Vincent stated that it is time to rethink the current overtime rule, as receiving the ball first has become increasingly advantageous. Statistics show that receiving teams won 56.8% of overtime games from 2017-24, up from 55.4% from 2001-11.
Currently, both teams have an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime unless a touchdown is scored on the first possession. In the playoffs, both teams get a chance to possess the ball even if a touchdown is scored on the opening drive, a change implemented after a controversial game between Buffalo and Kansas City in January 2022.
