"This is pathetic," "No one wants a tie": NFL fans demand major OT rules change after disappointing finish to Cowboys vs. Packers 

Do the NFL's overtime rules need to be changed? If fans are asked, then they should be after what transpired on Sunday night.

The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers ended the so-called "Micah Parsons Homecoming Game" level at 40 apiece after both their drives stalled in field goals. The Cowboys could have won the game after the first of them by stopping a fourth down, but Matthew Golden caught a 14-yarder from Jordan Love to extend the Packers' drive.

As soon as Brandon McManus hit the game-ending 34-yarder, fans started complaining and demanding change:

Macy Miles

@macy_miles

@NFL no one wants a tie in American football how dare you @NFL LAME and a waste of our time

Marc McMullen

@MarcAMcMullen1

How much money do you gouge your consumers yearly @NFL yet to leave the outcome of a game as a viewer or an attendee to result in a TIE. F’n shameful. There are no ties in football. This is Pathetic, Honest and True #NFL #PackersCowboys #TiesDontMatter

🇮🇹DAWGZZZ🇺🇸

@lusk_Ethan100

@BarstoolBigCat Change the OT rules these are professional they shouldn't tie

"It’s horrible for the product," one retched.

"Why not sudden death style like college football?!" another suggested.

"The fact it’s 2025 and a game can still end in a tie is repulsive," another retched.

This Cowboys/Packers game represented the first time the NFL enforced the new overtime rules, which ensure that both teams have a chance to score. The only way the game can end on the kickoff/first play is if either the receiving/offensive team gives up a safety or the defense scores a touchdown.

If both teams are still tied after one possession each, then the game enters sudden death: the next scoring play wins the game.

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Rules analyst reveals why NFL declined to adopt college overtime shootout after initial interest

While giving both teams a chance each to score in overtime has proven itself a welcome change, many fans still think there is a better idea for the NFL to adopt: the college shootout.

This system allows for a second overtime and mandates that both teams attempt a two-point conversion after every touchdown in that period. If the game remains tied afterward, then both teams will start exchanging two-point attempts until one wins.

And according to rules analyst Walt Anderson, the NFL did consider adopting it. He told the American version of The Sun earlier this month why the proposal was ultimately turned down:

"We want all aspects of the game to be included. Kicks, potential punts, passing, running, everything. So that's why the league has always opted for just continuing what would be the pace of play, if you will, that starts the game. …That's the big philosophical difference between the NFL and the college game."

So far, only one other game this season has gone to overtime: the Cowboys’ 40-37 defeat of the New York Giants in Week 2, and it ended with Brandon Aubrey hitting a field goal as time expired.