Question: how many ots are there in the nfl

title: American football rules
text: If a game is tied at the end of four quarters , overtime is played . In overtime , the coin is tossed to determine which team will possess the ball first . The winner of the coin toss can choose to give the ball or receive the ball . If the first possession results in a field goal , the other team is given possession to match or better the field goal ; therefore continuing the game . If the first possession results in a touchdown or safety , the scoring team wins . During the regular season in the NFL , one overtime period is played ( with each team receiving two time outs ) . If both teams are tied after the 10 - minute overtime , the game officially ends in a tie . In the playoffs , 15 - minute overtime periods continue until a winner is determined . Overtime follows after a three - minute intermission following the end of the regulation game . Prior to start of overtime , a coin flip is performed where the captain of the visiting team calls the toss . The team that wins the coin flip has the option to either receive the kickoff or choose the side of the field they wish to defend . Ties are rare in the NFL ; a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers on September 16 , 2018 ended in a 29 -- all draw . The previous occurrence was one week earlier , on September 9 , 2018 . 

Answer: answer: During the regular season in the NFL , only one overtime period is played, whereas in the playoffs , 15 - minute overtime periods continue until a winner is determined .