How long is halftime in NFL? Analyzing how long head coaches have to regroup

Modified Mar 27, 2023 14:22 GMT

New Orleans Saints v Washington Redskins — The Washington Redskins are introduced before playing the New Orleans Saints at FedExField on November 15, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. The Washington Redskins won, 47-14.

NFL games differ from other major American sports like basketball, baseball, and hockey. The league has its unique rules on timing, halftime shows, the playoffs, and so much more.

Here we will be looking at just how long halftime is in the league, among other things.

According to the official NFL rulebook, halftime lasts around 12-13 minutes between the end of the second quarter and the start of the third. This gives coaches ample time to give pep talks to their players in anticipation of a second grueling half of football. It's also handy for fans looking to ease themselves or get refreshments for the rest of the game.

Due to the higher stakes in the playoffs, fans might wonder if halftime is more extended for postseason games. Well, it isn't, as halftime remains 12-13 minutes for playoff games.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

How long does an NFL game last?

The game of football itself is typically a 60-minute event with four 15-minute quarters. The average game takes 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete. While the average time for a college football game is 3 hours and 24 minutes.

Longest Games in NFL history

Here are the ten longest games in history (in minutes).

1971 Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs - 82:40

1962 Dallas Texans vs Houston Oilers - 77:54

1987 Cleveland Browns vs New York Jets - 77:02

2013 Baltimore Ravens vs Denver Broncos - 76:42

1977 Oakland Raiders vs Baltimore Colts - 75:43

2004 Carolina Panthers vs St. Louis Rams 23- 75:10

2005 New York Jets vs San Diego Chargers - 74:55

1982 San Diego Chargers vs Miami Dolphins - 73:52

1965 Green Bay Packers vs Baltimore Colts - 73:39

1999 Atlanta Falcons vs Minnesota Vikings - 71:52

Updated Odds to win 2022-23 MVP award

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Here are the updated odds:

Patrick Mahomes (KC) +650

Joe Burrow (CIN) +700

Josh Allen (BUF) +750

Justin Herbert (LAC) +1000

Jalen Hurts (PHI) +1100

Lamar Jackson (BAL) +1500

Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) +1600

Aaron Rodgers (GB) +1600

Trevor Lawrence (JAX) +1600

Dak Prescott (DAL) +1800

Justin Fields (CHI) +2000

Deshaun Watson (CLE) +3000

Trey Lance (SF) +3500

Russell Wilson (DEN) +3500

Jordan Love (GB) +3500

Geno Smith (SEA) +3500

Jared Goff (DET) +3500

Kenny Pickett (PIT) +4500

Derek Carr (NO) +4500

Matthew Stafford (LAR) +5000

Reigning league MVP Patrick Mahomes is currently the favorite to win the 2023-24 MVP with +650 odds.

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Edited by Tejas Rathi