An NFL game, or more specifically, a playoff game should not come down to a coin toss. That seems like common sense, correct? Well the NFL doesn’t and never will abide by the rules of common sense.

The NFL has always been plagued with questionable rules, calls, and situations throughout its existence. From the tuck rule, to the lack of proper punishment for deflategate, the NFL has always struggled in doing the correct thing. One of these shortcomings is overtime. A prime example of this was the AFC divisional playoff game. The Chiefs and the Bills were two extremely well matched teams and they had an extremely competitive and fun to watch game. However, the game ended in sad fashion for the Bills as they lost in overtime. Once the Chiefs won the toss, the game was already pretty much over. The Chiefs offense had not been hindered at all by the Bills defense throughout the game. Because of this, the Chiefs were able to drive down and score a touchdown to defeat the Bills. Since the game ends on a touchdown, Buffalo didn’t get a chance to respond offensively, meaning a loss. 

It is my proposition that the NFL go either of two routes with overtime. They could either go the route that college football does, where teams start on the 25 and go until one team doesn’t score, or they could stay more true to what theirs is and make it so the opposing team has at least a chance to respond. 

Because of the current state of overtime in the NFL, the game could come down to just a coin toss. This must change. However, unless something is completely and totally damaging to the game, change is rare. We can only hope that things do end up changing.