How Does Super Bowl Overtime Work?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during overtime of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas.
(AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)
  • Both teams are guaranteed a possession in Super Bowl overtime.
  • Overtime periods are 15 minutes.
  • Two previous Super Bowls have been decided in overtime.

The NFL’s playoff overtime rules have often been tweaked and have frequently generated controversy. 

It’s important to have a full understanding of the overtime rules before placing a Super Bowl bet online

How Does Overtime Work in the Super Bowl?

Both teams are guaranteed a possession in overtime in the Super Bowl. A coin toss decides which team will receive the ball.

Regardless of the outcome of the first team’s possession, the second team gets the ball. The team with the lead after both teams have had a possession wins the game. 

If the teams are tied, the next score wins the game. 

The only way both teams don’t get a possession in Super Bowl overtime is if the team that begins overtime with the ball commits a safety. In this scenario, the team that took the kickoff would win the game. A defensive touchdown from the kickoff team would also end the game.

Each team has three timeouts per overtime period. 

How Long Is the Super Bowl Overtime?

Fifteen minutes. Each overtime period in the Super Bowl is 15 minutes, compared to 10 minutes in the regular season.

A second overtime period of 15 minutes is played if the scores are tied at the end of the first period or if the team that got the ball second hasn’t completed its first drive.

Has a Super Bowl Ever Gone Into Overtime?

Yes, the Super Bowl has gone to overtime twice.

The New England Patriots – who were three-point NFL betting betting favourites before kickoff – beat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime in Super 51, having trailed 28-3 earlier in the game. 

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime in Super Bowl 58.

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