Coaches split on overtime strategy in NFL as teams kick or receive

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 12, 2026, 9:11 AM

Last updated Oct 12, 2026

Coaches split on overtime strategy in NFL as teams kick or receive
Summary

In the NFL's ongoing season, three teams have opted to kick while two have chosen to receive in five overtime games. The latest examples include the Washington Commanders, who elected to kick against the New York Giants and ended in a tie, and the Baltimore Ravens, who chose to receive against the Atlanta Falcons and secured a win. Ravens coach Jesse Minter highlighted his team's research supporting the advantages of receiving. The season's results indicate that winning the coin toss may not significantly influence overtime outcomes, as seen in earlier games where teams that chose to receive ultimately lost.

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By the Numbers
  • •Five overtime games played this season, with varied strategies taken.
  • •Ravens beat Falcons after choosing to receive overtime kickoff.
  • •Commanders tied with Giants after opting to kick.
  • •Coaches remain divided on optimal strategies despite research.
  • •Earlier games included losses for teams choosing to receive.
Latest Updates
  • 9:11 AMYahoo Sports — In 5 overtime games, 3 teams have chosen to kick, 2 have chosen to receive
What they're saying
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There's no consensus among NFL coaches about whether it's better to kick or receive at the start of overtime.

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