The NFL playoff race is in full swing as Week 15 kicks off, and things are getting intense. Four teams have already locked in their playoff spots—the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles—but there’s still plenty on the line. With 10 spots up for grabs and 25 teams still in contention, every game matters.
Wondering how the playoffs work, who gets the coveted bye week, and what’s at stake? Let’s break it all down for you.
How Many Teams Earn A Bye In The NFL Playoffs?
Only two teams get a first-round bye: the No. 1 seeds from each conference. These top seeds will skip the Wild Card weekend and go directly to the Divisional Round.
This changed with the 2020 season’s expanded playoff format. Previously, each conference’s No. 1 and No. 2 seeds enjoyed a bye. Now, only the best of the best in the AFC and NFC earn this advantage, increasing the stakes for regular-season standings.
NFL Playoff Format: How It Works?
The current playoff format includes 14 teams: seven from the AFC and seven from the NFC. Here’s how the postseason is structured:
Wild Card Round
- No. 1 seed: Bye week.
- No. 7 seed at No. 2 seed
- No. 6 seed at No. 3 seed
- No. 5 seed at No. 4 seed
Divisional Round
- The lowest remaining seed faces the No. 1 seed.
- Second-lowest remaining seed plays the second-highest remaining seed.
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Conference Championship
The winners of the Divisional Round battle for the conference title, with the higher-seeded team hosting.
Super Bowl
The AFC and NFC champions meet to determine who takes home the Lombardi Trophy.
Also Read: Which Team Holds The NFC North Tiebreaker For The Division Title In The NFL Playoffs?
Who’s Already In And Who’s Out?
Four teams have punched their tickets to the playoffs:
- Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs: Clinched playoff spots with division titles in the AFC.
- Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles: Secured wild card spots in the NFC.
Multiple teams are playing 3 games over 10 days. League needs to adjust teams bye weeks if this is going to be an every year thing. Taking a bye 4 weeks into the season then having to play 3 games in 10 days, after playing the last 9 weeks straight. Is not good lmao. For anyone https://t.co/ceHw0PQStl
— Jonathon Walker (@jrw776) December 12, 2024
Meanwhile, seven teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, leaving 25 teams vying for the remaining 10 playoff spots with four weeks to go.
Important Dates For The NFL Postseason
Mark your calendars for these important dates as the playoffs approach:
- Wild Card Round: Saturday, Jan. 11 – Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
- Divisional Round: Saturday, Jan. 18 – Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025
- Conference Championships: Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025
- Super Bowl LIX: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
Where Is The Super Bowl This Year?
Super Bowl LIX will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the home of the Saints. This iconic stadium will host the championship game for the eighth time, continuing its legacy as one of the most celebrated venues in football history.
With just weeks to go, every game counts as teams fight for playoff spots, seeding, and a shot at the ultimate prize. Buckle up—it will be a wild ride to the finish line!
Also Read: How Do NFL Divisions Work? Everything You Need To Know
