How to Bet on NFL Overtime?

NFL Overtime Betting Guide

NFL games are the main attraction for those who like to place real money bets. With endless action, nay bet types, and some competitive odds, there is money to be made. One concern beginner bettors may have is about overtime periods. When it comes to the NFL, all full-game wagers will include overtime. This includes moneyline, spreads, and totals. If there is a bet that does not include overtime, it will be marked as excluded by the sportsbook. Overtime does not happen often in the NFL, but if it does, here are details on the types of bets that will remain active.

🏈NFL Overtime Bets
🕒Overtime Stats
🔍Playoff vs Regular Season
💡More about Online Betting

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Bet Types for NFL Overtime

There is never a way to determine if any NFL game will go into overtime. With that in mind, bettors need to know what bets will still be active if an overtime period is needed. Luckily, most standard bets always include overtime play. The only exception is with bets related to time periods or if the sportsbook specifically states that overtime periods will not be part of the wager. Take a look at some of the most popular bets placed on NFL games and how they can still provide chances to earn profits in overtime.

Point Spread

Point spread betting is one of the top choices for NFL games. With these bets, one will be betting whether a tea will win or lose by a set margin. This margin is set by the sportsbook. When an NFL game goes into overtime, the point spread bet will stay in place and the spread remains the same. If a team is able to cover the spread during regulation play, that team must maintain the coverage during overtime for the bet to win.

Props

Prop bets make online betting exciting as these wagers can be placed on just about anything that can happen during a game. Like most standard bets, the prop bet will be active if a game enters an overtime period. In fact, some sportsbooks have a prop bet that the game will go into overtime. The only time a prop bet will not be active is if it was placed in regard to a certain timeframe. For example, if a prop bet is placed on how many points a player will score in the first half, the bet is settled at the end of the first half.

Over/Under

Over/Under bets, or totals will also be in play during any game that enters overtime. Extra play time means more chances for a team to score. These bets are the same in regulation time as well as overtime. The end goal is to predict whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under the number listed by the sportsbook.

Moneyline

Moneyline bets remain active even when an NFL game goes into overtime. As the simplest bet to place on a football game, a moneyline wager is made on what team will win the game. Since overtime can result in that win, the moneyline bet stays active.

Overtime and Tie Game Stats

Fans of the NFL will know that there have been many upsets with games ending in a tie. Luckily, for those betting on playoff games, a tie is not a possible outcome. However, it is important for bettors who are placing wagers on any NFL game to be aware of the statistics for overtime play and tie games. These historical stats can help when choosing a wager and will also be beneficial in choosing the type of bet to place.

Since the overtime rules have been used, there have been 163 games to enter overtime. Of these, the team that won the coin toss has gone on to win 86 times and ended with just 10 ties.
After overtime rules changed to allowing just 10 minutes of play, there have been 5 tie games in 64 games played in overtime.
12 games in the playoffs have gone into overtime since the rule was imposed in 2010.
Only 27 games have ended in a toe since the NFL started overtime play in 1974.

It is not common for any NFL game to end in a tie, as indicated by the above stats. However, it can happen. Luckily, it is rare enough that bettors can be assured most bets will be settled during overtime. In some cases, games that end in a tie will result in the wager being called a push, though some sportsbooks will deem it a loss.

Playoff vs Regular Season Overtime

Over the years, the rules regarding overtime during NFL games have changed. In 2010, the NFL started a sudden-death overtime system that would help to declare a game-winner for postseason games. That rule was then applied to all NFL games. When it comes to overtime rules, it is important to understand the differences between regular-season games and postseason play. Here, we highlight the rules for both situations. These can affect how bets are placed, so it is important to know the rules and understand how they differ depending on when games are played during the NFL season.

The overtime rules for a regular season are pretty easy to understand. They are as follows:

When the regulation time expires, there will be a coin toss to determine ball possession for the overtime period.
A 10-minute overtime period will be played after a 3-minute intermission. During this time, each team must possess the ball. The only exception is when the team with the first possession scores a TD.
Sudden death will continue until there is a winner.
Both teams are allowed two time-out periods
If the game remains tied after overtime, it will be recorded as a tie.
No coach's challenges result in instant replays. A replay official makes reviews.

During games played during the postseason, the NFL has implemented some different overtime rules. These games cannot end in a tie, so the rules are slightly different.

If the score is tied after overtime, teams will play a second overtime period. This continues until there is a winner.
A two-minute intermission is allowed between overtime periods.
The team who lost the coin toss will be allowed to choose whether they possess the ball or what goal is to be defended.
Each team has the opportunity to possess the ball.
Three time-outs are allowed.
If there is a fourth overtime and still no winner, there is another toss of the coin, and play will continue.