NFL Brings Postseason Overtime Rules to Regular Season Games

Even though the postseason overtime scoring rule had never been used in its short lifespan, the NFL has decided it was a good idea to bring the rule to all regular season games as well. In a vote Wednesday, owners voted 30-2 in favor of extending a scoring rule that many Vikings fans in particular feel very strongly about.

The rule, which was adopted and put in place for the 2010 season, changes the sudden death format of overtime to a modified system by which each team must have the opportunity to posses the ball unless a touchdown is scored on the opening drive. Many fans and members of the NFL felt the coin flip to decide opening possession in overtime essentially decided the game, as that team would be able to get within field goal range and score three points to end the game.

Vikings fans have a particularly strong connection with the implications of this rule. The 2009 Vikings had their 12-4 season ended in the NFC Championship game by the New Orleans Saints, who gained first possession in overtime and punched their ticket to the Super Bowl by kicking a field goal on the opening drive.

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