The NFL Has Officially Proposed 2 Overtime Rule Changes

The NFL‘s overtime rules came to the forefront during the Divisional Weekend game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills.

Both teams brought their A-game, especially the Chiefs that tied the game in 13 seconds.

Eventually, Kansas City moved on to the AFC Championship Game when they scored a touchdown on their first overtime possession.

Fans and experts argued that the Bills deserved a possession given the way they fought.

But quarterback Josh Allen commented that they would have won anyway if they got the overtime coin toss and took possession.

That debacle prompted the NFL Competition Committee to solicit potential changes regarding overtime regulations for the 2022 season.

Aside from the committee’s suggestion, the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans also made proposals.

The Competition Committee’s proposal is in — bringing us to three rules change proposals for the 2022 season.

During the upcoming @NFL annual meeting, clubs will vote on the potential new rules. Learn more about the process: https://t.co/zs12kSDUPE pic.twitter.com/aSKVUYnTjG

— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) March 25, 2022

The NFL Football Operations’ official Twitter account said, “The Competition Committee’s proposal is in — bringing us to three rules change proposals for the 2022 season. During the upcoming @NFL annual meeting, clubs will vote on the potential new rules.”

Differences With The Three Proposals

The Competition Committee would like to amend Rule 6, Section 1, Article 3 of the NFL Rule Book by making the free-kick formation change during the 2021 season a permanent fixture by establishing a maximum number of players in the setup zone.

Meanwhile, the Colts and the Eagles have a similar proposal to amend Rule 16 by allowing both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime, regardless if the first team scored a touchdown.

On the other hand, the Titans want both teams an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime unless the team with the first possession scores a possession and a two-point conversion.

As always, rule changes will always be subject to meticulous debate.