NFL coaches get two challenges per game, with the option to earn a third if both of the first two challenges are successful.

Basic challenge rules

  • Each team starts with two coach’s challenges per game.
  • If a team wins (i.e., is correct on) both of those challenges, it is awarded one additional challenge, for a maximum of three in a game.
  • If a challenge is lost, the team is charged a timeout; if the team has no timeouts left, it cannot challenge.

What coaches can challenge

  • Most plays involving possession, spot of the ball, and whether a pass was complete or incomplete are reviewable.
  • Some situations (like scoring plays and turnovers) are automatically reviewed by the booth, so coaches do not need to challenge those.
  • Certain calls, such as many penalties (e.g., most holding, roughing the passer judgments), are not reviewable and cannot be challenged.

Quick scoop style answer

In plain terms:

  • You normally have two challenges.
  • Win both, and you unlock a third.
  • You can never have more than three coach’s challenges in a single NFL game.

Information gathered from public rules explanations and NFL officiating guidance available on the internet.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.