NFL nixes need for extra-point attempt after game-winning TD

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Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The NFL passed another rule change that came in under the radar Tuesday.

The league will no longer require a team to line up for an extra point or two-point attempt after scoring a game-winning touchdown, according to Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com. The rule was approved by the NFL's competition committee.

The impetus for such a rule change came after the Minnesota Vikings scored a last-gasp victory over the New Orleans Saints as the clock ticked down in their 2017 divisional playoff game.

Trailing by one with 10 seconds left in the game, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum found Stefon Diggs for a game-winning 61-yard touchdown catch and run.

Though the Vikings took a 29-24 lead with no time left on the clock, league rules required them to kick a meaningless extra point. However, during the pandemonium after the play, Vikings players and staff littered the field and the Saints headed for the locker rooms.

The game was delayed for several minutes before the Vikings eventually took a knee rather than kick the point after.

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