The NFL's overtime rule explained and why fans want to see it changed

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 1543 GMT (2343 HKT) January 24, 2022

Travis Kelce catches for the game-winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills to win the AFC Divisional Round playoff game in overtime.

(CNN)Kansas City Chiefs 42, Buffalo Bills 36. An instant classic that'll be remembered for years to come.

Whether it be for the big-name players, the remarkable quarterback play or for the dramatic back-and-forth nature of it, their playoff encounter will live long in the memory. However, for some, the game's ending did leave somewhat of a sour taste in the mouth. Having won the coin toss at the beginning of overtime, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for a walk-off touchdown on the first possession of extra time. Such are the rules of overtime in the NFL, Josh Allen and his red-hot offense never got the chance to reply, annoying many neutral spectators. Read MoreSome called it the «worst rule in sports,» while others jokingly called for US President Joe Biden step in and fix the rule. And while Allen, shortly after suffering the crushing defeat, was magnanimous about the current OT rules, it's raised the question: should they be changed to allow both teams the opportunity to score? Mahomes throws the game-winning touchdown to Kelce.Adding timeAccording to NFL rules, in the 10-minute overtime period: «Each team must possess, or have the opportunity to possess, the ball. The exception: if the team that gets the ball first scores a touchdown on the opening possession.»In essence, if the receiving team does not score a touchdown on its first possession (or if the kicking team does not score a touchdown on a turnover), the game continues.The current system has been in place since the 2011 postseason.