Is There Overtime In The NFL Preseason? 2025 Rules Clarified

David

3 min read

Post on Aug 10, 2025

4.6

Share

Is There Overtime in the NFL Preseason? 2025 Rules Clarified

The NFL preseason is a crucial time for evaluating rookies, experimenting with strategies, and giving younger players valuable game experience. But what happens when a preseason game ends in a tie? The question many fans ask is: Is there overtime in the NFL preseason? The short answer is no, not in the same way as the regular season. Let's clarify the rules for the 2025 season and beyond.

The Absence of Preseason Overtime: A Tradition, Not a Rule

Unlike the regular season and playoffs, which feature established overtime rules designed to determine a winner, the NFL preseason traditionally does not include overtime periods. This isn't explicitly stated in a single, overarching rule, but it's a long-standing practice. Instead of overtime, preseason games that are tied at the end of regulation simply end in a draw. This practice is consistent across all 32 NFL teams.

Why No Overtime in the Preseason?

Several reasons contribute to the lack of overtime in preseason games:

• Player Health and Safety: Preseason games prioritize player development and evaluation over determining a definitive winner. Extending games into overtime increases the risk of injury, particularly for players already competing for limited roster spots. The NFL prioritizes the long-term health of its players.
• Game Time and Player Usage: Preseason games are often shorter than regular season games, and coaches carefully manage playing time to avoid overexertion. Adding overtime would further compress the already limited time available for evaluating players.
• Strategic Focus: Coaches often use preseason games to test different formations, plays, and strategies. Overtime might disrupt these strategic goals. The focus is on experimentation, not necessarily achieving a decisive victory.
• Limited Stakes: Preseason games don't contribute to the official standings. The results don't affect playoff seeding or other significant league metrics. The emphasis is on individual player performance and team preparation.

2025 and Beyond: No Changes Expected

As of the 2025 season, there's no indication the NFL will change its longstanding policy regarding preseason overtime. The league continues to prioritize player safety and the development goals of the preseason. While the rules may evolve in other aspects of the game, this tradition is likely to remain.

Alternatives to Overtime: Evaluating Player Performance

While the absence of overtime might seem anticlimactic, it's important to remember that the primary focus of preseason games isn't the final score. Coaches and scouts meticulously analyze player performance across various metrics:

• Tackling efficiency
• Pass completion percentage
• Rushing yards
• Special teams contributions
• Overall game awareness

These factors, rather than the final score, determine a player's value and likelihood of making the final roster.

Conclusion:

The lack of overtime in the NFL preseason remains a key characteristic of the exhibition season. This decision prioritizes player health, strategic experimentation, and efficient player evaluation. While fans might crave the excitement of an extra period, the current approach aligns with the overarching goals of the preseason. For the 2025 season and the foreseeable future, expect preseason ties to remain just that – ties.