Eagles propose changing regular season overtime to match NFL playoff rules

The Eagles want to change how overtime works in the regular season—and honestly, it’s about time. Philadelphia has submitted a proposal to the NFL to make regular season OT follow the same format as the postseason, meaning both teams would get a possession, regardless of what happens on the opening drive.

Eagles propose changing regular season overtime to match NFL playoff rules

The #Eagles have proposed to make the NFL's regular season overtime rules the same as the postseason, meaning both teams get an opportunity to possess the ball no matter what. Overtime would be 15 minutes.

The current regular season OT rule states that if the receiving team… https://t.co/HIf7zKVi81

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 19, 2025

Right now, the regular season OT rule lets a game end immediately if the team receiving the kickoff scores a touchdown on the first drive. The Eagles want to eliminate that loophole and extend overtime to 15 minutes, ensuring both offenses get a shot.

The Eagles are doing the lord’s work

The NFL already made this adjustment for the playoffs, mainly because of the Chiefs-Bills thriller in the 2021 postseason, where Buffalo never got the ball in OT.

The same issue exists in the regular season—except teams don’t get the benefit of a full overtime period unless the first drive ends in a field goal or stop. Obviously, the Eagles’ proposal fixes that and makes everything much more simple so shoutout to them for getting it on the table.

The Lions Want to Change Defensive Holding Rules, Too

Philadelphia isn’t the only team pushing for rule changes. The Lions have proposed eliminating the automatic first down for defensive holding and illegal contact penalties. Right now, even if the penalty happens five yards short of the sticks, it results in an automatic first down. Detroit wants to treat it like an offside penalty—five yards but no fresh set of downs.

Will Either Rule Pass?

The Eagles’ proposal feels like an easy fix, but the NFL has been slow to adjust overtime rules in the past. The Lions’ rule in my opinion, is more of a toss-up. The league loves offense, and anything that makes life harder for quarterbacks and wide receivers usually faces an uphill battle.

Still, both proposals would improve the game—now we wait to see if the league agrees.

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