Buffalo Sports News

Buffalo Sports News

Report: NFL competition committee has 'sentiment' for modifying OT rules

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The Buffalo Bills were at the center of last season’s overtime controversy of the year in the NFL. There now seems to be at least a bit of movement toward something the Bills wish would have already previously taken place.

According to the Washington Post, there is some “sentiment” toward changing the current overtime rules in the playoffs so both sides get one possession of the ball:

As things went for Buffalo during their postseason meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs this year, they did not get a chance to score. The Chiefs won the OT coin toss and scored a touchdown on the first drive.

Currently if a TD is scored to open overtime, it’s game over. The only way the other team gets a chance is if the team with the ball first kicks a field goal or punts.

Part of this possible “sentiment” is the Indianapolis Colts. Per NFL.com over the weekend, the Colts proposed a rule change take place so both sides get a chance to score in extra time. However, the Colts’ proposal applies to games both in the regular season and playoffs.

As referenced by the Post’s report, any change would need approval from 24 of the league’s 32 owners. In the past we’ve seen overtime rule changes suggested, but they have not been passed.

Interestingly, the regular season vs. overtime debate does hold some merit.

According to NFL Research in January, there have been 11 playoff games with the current rules in place. Of those 11, the ledger massively favorites one team: The coin-toss winner.

Per their findings, the team that has won that coin toss has a 10-1 overall record in playoff overtime games. The most recent was the Chiefs over the Bills and a near 90 percent advantage for a team based on a coin is a ridiculous edge.

However, the regular season is different. It was concluded that only 52 percent of the time the coin-toss winner has been victorious after guessing the flip.

Most would point toward the talent of teams being much better during the postseason contests as the reason for the difference.

While the league’s competition committee is meeting ahead of the 2022 scouting combine this week, the annual league meetings with owners will not take place until the end of March. That is where the league will vote on a potential change.