When Does The Clock Stop In The NFL?

The game clock in the NFL is different than the clock in other sports. Here’s a look at how the clock works in the NFL.

The NFL’s overtime rules

When the score is tied at the end of regulation play in an NFL game, the game enters into a sudden death overtime period. The first team to score during this period (by any method) is declared the winner.

During overtime, each team is given one possession to score, unless the team that takes possession first scores a touchdown, in which case the game immediately ends and that team is declared the winner. If neither team scores, or if both teams score field goals on their respective first drives of overtime, the second team to possess the ball will have an opportunity to either win with a touchdown or tie with a field goal.

If both teams again exchange field goals on their second overtime possessions, or if one team kicks another field goal and the other team fails to score at all on its second attempt, then possession will alternate between teams for each subsequent overtime drive until one team finally breaks the deadlock by either scoring a touchdown or recording a safety.

How the NFL’s overtime rules have changed over time

The National Football League overtime rules have changed several times over the course of the league’s history. The most recent change came in 2017, when the league adopted a new rule that allowed each team to possess the ball at least once in overtime, regardless of who scored first.

Prior to that change, the team that won the coin toss could choose to receive the ball or defer to the second half. If they chose to receive, they could score a touchdown on their first drive and end the game. If they chose not to receive, or if they failed to score a touchdown, the other team would then get a chance to win with their own possession.

This often led to complaints that the team who won the coin toss had an unfair advantage, as they could potentially end the game without giving their opponents a chance to score. The new rule was designed to address this issue by ensuring that each team would have at least one opportunity to score in overtime.

If neither team scores on their first possession, then the game will continue like a regular game, with each team getting two more possessions (one in each direction) until someone scores. If there is still no winner after those four possessions, then the game will end in a tie.

The NFL overtime rules have been tweaked several times over the years in an effort to create a fair and exciting system. The most recent change seems to be working well, and it has resulted in some thrilling finishes to close out games.

How the NFL’s overtime rules compare to other leagues

In the NFL, the game clock runs for 40 minutes in each half. In the event of a tie, the game goes into overtime, and each team is given one possession to score. If neither team scores, or if both teams score a touchdown on their respective possessions, the game ends in a tie.

Other professional leagues have slightly different overtime rules. In the NBA and NHL, for example, there is no clock in overtime; the game simply ends when one team scores more points than the other. In Major League Baseball, there is no clock in extra innings; the game simply ends when one team takes a lead that the other team cannot match.

The impact of the NFL’s overtime rules on the game

The NFL’s overtime rules have been a source of debate for many years. Some argue that the rules are unfair to the team that loses the coin toss, while others argue that they add excitement to the game.

Here’s a look at how the NFL’s overtime rules impact the game:

-If the team that loses the coin toss scores a touchdown on their first possession, the game is over.
-If the team that wins the coin toss scores a touchdown on their first possession, they win the game.
-If neither team scores on their first possession, each team gets one more chance to score. If both teams fail to score, the game ends in a tie.