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.
Possible solutions being considered include making the overtime rules consistent in the regular season and extending the period to 15 minutes.
In addition to overtime rule changes, the NFL plans to introduce a virtual measuring system to determine first downs in 2025. This system will work alongside officials who manually spot the ball and use chains to mark the line to gain. The goal is to enhance officiating processes and provide instant notifications if a first down is gained.
The league is also reviewing the expansion of replay assist to include more fouls, such as roughing the passer, unnecessary roughness, facemask penalties, tripping, and more. However, there is currently no appetite to use video replay to throw a flag for missed penalties.
Furthermore, the NFL aims to bring back onside kicks while considering a permanent kickoff rule after a successful trial with the dynamic kickoff. The trial led to more exciting kickoffs but impacted the success rate of onside kicks, prompting discussions on potential changes to the play.
Despite some controversy around certain plays, like the tush push play, which the Green Bay Packers proposed banning, the league found no injuries associated with the play in 2024. Discussions on potential rule changes, including a fourth-and-long option to retain possession, may occur in the future.
