NFL Owners Approve Kickoff, Replay Assist, OT Rule Changes

The NFL’s owners approved plans to expand replay assist and revisit overtime rules, while also opting to stick with the newly implemented kickoff rules, during the NFL League Meetings in Florida.

Regular-season overtime rules will now match the playoffs, allowing both teams the chance to get a possession even if a touchdown is scored on the opening drive. Additionally, overtime was amended to be 10 minutes instead of 15 minutes in play time.

The owners also approved a proposal to allow replay assist to consult on-field officials to overrule objective calls if there was “clear and obvious” evidence that a foul didn’t occur. Additionally, the league will continue to utilize the dynamic kickoff rule, which was implemented last season, while moving the ball on spot on touchbacks from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line.