We nearly saw overtime between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game and the ending of the NFC Championship is shaping up to be similar. The New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are all tied up at 17 late in the fourth quarter.
As a reminder, the NFL's playoff overtime rules a little different. It's no longer a sudden death situation but a modified version of sudden death. The rule changes were designed to avoid a team receiving the kickoff and promptly moving down the field for the game winning field goal without the other team having a chance to possess the ball.
In the new rules, the team that receives the ball first can only end the game via a touchdown (or the other team can end it via a safety). If they score a touchdown on their first possession, it's over. But if they don't score or only kick a field goal, the other team will get a chance to have the ball. After each team has had a possession, the game moves to sudden death.
We'll see if this reminder of the playoff rules is needed.
For updates and analysis on these teams leading up to their matchup, visit 49ers blogNiners Nation, Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York and SB Nation Bay Area. Don't forget to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for all your playoff news.