By Marc Lawrence, PlaybookSports.com — The NFL changed its overtime rules due to the ending of last year’s Bills-Chiefs divisional round game, where the Chiefs won 42-36 after winning the coin toss in overtime and scoring first, and therefore Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense never touched the ball in the overtime period.
Now, for the playoffs only, both teams must have the opportunity to possess the ball. And that changes a coach’s approach to strategy, having their captain defer should he win the overtime coin toss.
Kicking off to the opponent would allow the toss-winning team the opportunity to know exactly what it needs to win or extend the game. It would also give the team the opportunity to end the game with a defensive score. And it would very likely give the team better starting field position via a defensive stop and ensuing punt over the kickoff.
