The National Football League’s preseason games offer teams a chance to evaluate players and implement strategies before the regular season begins. A defining characteristic of these exhibition games is their handling of overtime. Unlike regular season and playoff contests, preseason games do not feature an overtime period to determine a winner if the score is tied at the end of regulation. The game concludes at the end of the fourth quarter, resulting in a tie.
The absence of an overtime period in the preseason serves several purposes. Primarily, it reduces the risk of player injury. Preseason games are about assessing talent and refining game plans, not securing a victory at all costs. Limiting the game to four quarters minimizes the physical strain on players, allowing them to enter the regular season in optimal condition. Furthermore, teams often prioritize evaluating a large number of players during the preseason. Extending the game into overtime would concentrate playing time on a smaller group, hindering the evaluation process. Historically, this practice has been consistently applied throughout the league’s preseason schedule to emphasize player safety and comprehensive team assessment.
