The NFL’s preseason action is underway, which has fans curious about the specific rules in these exhibition games. For example, is there overtime in the NFL preseason? Or can the games simply end in a tie?
We know the NFL’s overtime rules in the regular season and playoffs, and considering they have different rule designations, it would only be fitting that the preseason would have its own subset of OT rules as well.
How does overtime work in the preseason? Let’s examine the NFL’s approach toward extra sessions in the preseason and how the rules have changed in recent years.
Can NFL Preseason Games Go to Overtime?
Simply put, no, preseason games don’t have an overtime period. Believe it or not, preseason games used to feature overtime. It wasn’t until the 2021 season that the NFL’s various owners agreed that it was unnecessary and voted to eliminate it.
Why, you ask?
The primary and most obvious reason is to avoid injuries, with the hopes that everyone’s best players can compete during the regular season. Injuries are obviously a part of the sport, but the NFL wants to avoid them whenever possible, especially in exhibition games.
If both teams can escape a preseason game completely healthy, it’s a win for everyone involved, so there’s no sense in adding an extra period (and extra collisions) to games that don’t count toward the standings. That’s why it’s so surprising that preseason games featured overtime periods until just three years ago.
While just about every fan would love to watch extra football — and some fans may be annoyed that preseason games can end in a tie — it’s just not worth the potential injuries that players can suffer in a fifth period. Most fans seem to understand this, especially since it helps keep their favorite team healthy for Week 1 of the regular season.
Even if it isn’t a starter who gets hurt in a preseason game, an injury to depth players can have ripple effects. Just look to the 2023 season and the number of backup quarterbacks who were thrust into action — even arguably the safest player on offense (the QB) has the potential for devastating injuries. Nonetheless, the goal of the preseason is not winning games; the goal is to work toward synchrony, evaluate the talent up and down the roster, and prepare for the regular season.
So, while some fans may groan over the lack of overtime, it is better than an A-list player going down in a meaningless game, which could lead to season ticket holders groaning and regretting their investment.
Players appreciate the lack of overtime in the preseason, and there’s a reason the preseason was collectively bargained to be shorter. As the NFL seriously considers expanding to an 18-game regular season, it’s possible that the preseason will be eliminated altogether in the coming years.
For now, no overtime in the preseason means less wear and tear on the players’ bodies and more energy for games when everything is put on the line.
Players understand that the point of the preseason is to get some reps, get used to the physicality, and get into game shape. Most importantly, get to the team plane with their body intact for the regular season so they can contribute when their team needs them most and the games actually count toward a potential playoff push.