Proposal:

This proposal advocates for the integration of NCAA Football overtime rules into the NFL, specifically incorporating an additional 15-minute play period followed by a shootout if teams remain tied. The motivation behind this suggestion stems from the perceived shortcomings of the current NFL overtime system, which often concludes a game with the first touchdown scored, potentially leaving one team without an opportunity to compete. By adopting a system that mirrors the NCAA Football overtime format, the proposal aims to enhance the fairness of the competition and increase the entertainment value for fans. It suggests that such a change would not only make games more exciting by extending play but also address issues of equity by ensuring both teams have an equitable chance to win in overtime.

The expected outcome of implementing NCAA Football’s overtime rules into the NFL is a more equitable distribution of winning opportunities between competing teams and an increase in fan engagement due to the heightened excitement of additional playtime and a decisive shootout phase. This approach is anticipated to alleviate criticisms directed towards the NFL’s current sudden death format by guaranteeing that both teams receive a fair chance to compete post-regulation time. By exploring the benefits and challenges associated with this proposed change, the proposal sets forth a compelling argument for the NFL to consider adopting a more balanced and engaging overtime format, thereby improving the game for players, teams, and spectators alike.

Bibliography:

NFL Overtime Coin Toss Statistics [Fresh Research]

The analysis of overtime coin toss outcomes in NFL games reveals that winning the toss does not assure victory, with varying success rates influenced by the period and prevailing rules. Between 2000 and 2018, teams winning the first possession ended games 52.7% of the time, but the rate of achieving a first down by teams receiving the kickoff was only 48% from 2011 to 2017. Notably, in 2020, 62.5% of overtime games ended with the team that had the opening possession winning, compared to 71.4% in 2012. The effectiveness of winning the opening toss has fluctuated over years, demonstrating the role of multiple factors, including strategy and luck, in determining the outcome of overtime games.

How I intend to use this:

This source will help me dictate the statistics of the current NFL overtime rules. Being able to provide these will help me prove the current “unfairness” of the rules. From there I will be able to compare with the statistics from College rules and come to a conclusion.

College Football Overtime Outcomes: Implications for In-Game Decision-Making

This study looks at college football overtime games, using data and machine learning to figure out if there’s a better way for coaches to decide end-game strategies, especially when a game goes into overtime. Choosing to play defense or offense first in overtime doesn’t really affect the game’s outcome, which goes against what most people think. So, it’s like flipping a coin doesn’t give any team a big advantage, and the whole idea of overtime is to make the game’s result more exciting and fair.

How I intend to use this:

I will use this source to provide the reader with statistics regarding current college football overtime rules. This source proves that overtime is practically 50/50 and both teams are provided equal opportunity to win the game. I will compare these statistics with the NFL statistics

NFL overtime rules: Should the league consider adopting college football’s OT format?

The discussion revolves around the NFL’s overtime rules, contrasting them with college football’s approach to ensure both teams get possession in overtime. Critics argue the NFL’s system, where a game can end if the team that wins the coin toss scores a touchdown on its first possession, may be unfair. In contrast, college football’s format allows both teams offensive and defensive opportunities, aiming for a more equitable outcome. Recent NFL playoff statistics highlight a high win rate for teams winning the coin toss, fueling the debate on whether the NFL should adopt college football’s overtime rules for a fairer chance to both teams.

How I intend to use this:

This source will help my argument by providing supporting evidence that college football rules are overall more fair to both teams no matter the outcome of the coin toss in overtime.

The New Rules for NFL Overtime

The article discusses the NFL’s adoption of new overtime rules to address the advantage previously given to the team winning the coin toss. A Markov chain model is used to analyze the effects, showing a more balanced outcome with the new rules. Additionally, it explores a “cut-and-choose” proposal, likening it to fair division in game theory, as a potentially fairer but more complex alternative. The new system is appreciated for reducing the coin toss advantage without significantly extending game length, deemed a reasonable choice by the NFL.

How I intend to use this:

This article discusses the NFL’s previous attempt at making overtime rules equally fair to both participating teams. I will mention this in my paper to show the NFL’s progress in adjusting rules to ensure both teams are given equal opportunities in overtime.

63% of NFL fans think the overtime rules need to change

After a pivotal NFL Divisional Round game where the Kansas City Chiefs won against the Buffalo Bills, discussions are anticipated in the spring among owners regarding potential rule changes, especially concerning the NFL’s overtime format. The current overtime rules, which end the game if the team with initial possession scores a touchdown, have been criticized after the Chiefs’ victory highlighted the significant advantage the coin-toss winner holds in the postseason. A nationwide poll revealed 63% of NFL fans demand a change in these overtime rules.

How I intend to use this:

This source is useful to my paper as I intend to speak on the benefits of entertainment when it comes to overtime rules in the NFL. This article provides statistic about fans who are unhappy with the current rules, which in turn would support my paper about making a change.