Change in NFL overtime rule may affect betting lines

It can be remembered that the New Orleans Saints won the NFC Championship last season after winning the coin toss that decided who will make the goal for the overtime. Due to that, owners made the decision to change the rules for this extra period in the NFL playoffs.

Owners made a vote Tuesday that would alter the overtime rules of the games. In the old rule, the winner of the coin toss wins the structure. But in the new rule, both teams will be able to get the chance to get the ball at least once in the event of an overtime.

The change in rules may affect the betting pattern in the game next season. Betting lines may be adjusted upwards a little bit to give way for extra possessions during an overtime

The overtime rule imposed by the NFL over the years has been a subject of heavy criticisms. As the accuracy of the kicker gets better and better, it is always expected that the team who will get the possession first will almost surely win most of the overtime games.

The team which has the possession of the ball also has the advantage of having the kick-offs move back. Returners are given a good starting field position with this.

The vote on Tuesday was not unanimous but the number of team owners who voted for the new rule was enough to implement. Players on the field also have mixed reactions on the new rule, with some even hoping for more changes.