In 2010, NFL owners voted to modify the overtime rules for post-season games. With the playoffs set to begin on Saturday, it's a good time to look at those changes.

The system guarantees each team a possession or the opportunity to possess, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession.

In other words, if the receiving team drives down field and kicks a field goal, the kicking team will get an opportunity to possess the football in overtime. If the kicking team successfully attempts an onside kick, and scores, even a field goal, on the ensuing possession, the game is over because the receiving team had an opportunity to possess the football.

Similarly, if the receiving team is forced to punt, and that punt is muffed, it will be considered an opportunity to possess by the kicking team (who opened the game on defense), and the game would then end on a score.

Here are the full explanation of the modified overtime rules:

• At the end of regulation time the Referee will immediately toss coin at center of field in accordance with rules pertaining to the usual pregame toss. The captain of the visiting team will call the toss prior to the coin being flipped.

• Following a three-minute intermission after the end of the regulation game, play will be continued in 15-minute periods until a winner is declared. Each team must possess or have the opportunity to possess the ball unless the team that has the ball first scores a touchdown on its initial possession. Play continues in sudden death until a winner is determined, and the game automatically ends upon any score (by safety, field goal, or touchdown) or when a score is awarded by Referee for a palpably unfair act. Each team has three time outs per half and all general timing provisions apply as during
a regular game. Try is not attempted if touchdown scored. Disqualified players are not allowed to return.

• Instant Replay: No challenges. Reviews to be initiated by the replay assistant.

KEY DEFINITIONS:

Possession: Actual possession of the ball with complete control. The defense gains possession when it catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.

Opportunity to possess: The opportunity to possess occurs only during kicking plays. A kickoff is an opportunity to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or a field goal that crosses the line of scrimmage and is muffed by the receiving team is considered to be an opportunity to possess for the receivers. Normal touching rules by the kicking team apply.