If the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots wind up heading to overtime (always a possibility), it will be the second week in a row that the NFL's playoff overtime rules go into effect. However, they were not a factor in the Broncos' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week since the first play of overtime went for a touchdown.
See, a touchdown on the opening drive of overtime ends the game without allowing a possession for the other team. Had the Broncos kicked a field goal, the Steelers would have possessed the ball for a shot to tie or win the game. A touchdown would have ended the game. A field goal to tie the game would have reverted the game back to its sudden death nature.
If the first overtime is not enough to settle a game, a second would begin under the same modified rules.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.