The NFL playoffs are where the magic happens. It’s the stage where underdogs rise, dynasties solidify, and fans live every moment like it’s their last. Whether someone is screaming at the TV or analyzing the stats, there’s nothing like the road to the Super Bowl.
If curious about how teams make it to the grand finale, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to the NFL playoffs.
How Do Teams Earn a Spot in the Playoffs?
The NFL playoffs feature 14 teams—seven from the American Football Conference (AFC) and seven from the National Football Conference (NFC). The postseason format expanded in 2020, adding more teams to the mix and intensifying the playoff race. Here’s how teams secure their spot:
- Division Champions: Each conference is split into four divisions: North, South, East, and West. The top team in each division, determined by win-loss record, earns a playoff berth. These four division winners are seeded 1 through 4 within their respective conferences.
- Wild-Card Teams: The three teams in each conference with the best records outside of the division winners earn wild-card spots. These are seeded 5 through 7 based on their regular-season performance.
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Seeding is critical because it determines matchups and who gets home-field advantage, a key factor in postseason success. In case of a tie, the NFL uses a series of tiebreakers, ranging from head-to-head results to point differentials, and even a coin toss if needed.
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The NFL Playoff Format: Step-by-Step
The NFL postseason consists of three elimination rounds before the Super Bowl:
- Super Wild Card Weekend:
- The No. 1 seed in each conference gets a first-round bye and skips directly to the Divisional Round.
- The remaining six teams in each conference (seeds 2 through 7) face off:
- Seed 2 plays Seed 7.
- Seed 3 plays Seed 6.
- Seed 4 plays Seed 5.
- The higher-seeded team hosts each game.
- Divisional Round:
- The No. 1 seed returns to face the lowest remaining seed from the Wild Card round.
- The other two advancing teams face off, with the higher seed hosting.
- Conference Championships:
- The winners of the Divisional Round in each conference play for the AFC and NFC titles.
- The higher-seeded team hosts the game.
The champions of the AFC and NFC then move on to the Super Bowl to compete for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
What Happens at the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is the grand finale of the NFL season. The AFC and NFC champions face off at a predetermined location, with millions of fans tuning in worldwide. The game combines intense football action with unparalleled entertainment, including the much-anticipated halftime show.
Why Is the 2024-2025 Playoff Race Special?
This season’s playoff race is particularly thrilling as teams vie for a spot in Super Bowl 59, which will take place on February 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. ET. Fans are already buzzing about the halftime performance by Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar. Known for his lyrical genius and electrifying stage presence, Lamar’s addition to the show continues the Super Bowl’s legacy of spectacular entertainment.
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The NFL playoffs are a battle of grit, strategy, and unyielding determination. Whether your team dominates the division or sneaks in as a wild card, every game is an opportunity to prove they belong on football’s biggest stage. So gear up and get ready for the thrill of postseason football—the road to the Super Bowl never disappoints!
Also Read: 10 Greatest NFL Dynasties Of All Time And Their Epic Downfalls
