How Many Teams Make the NFL Playoffs?
Hey readers,
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the NFL playoffs! In this article, we’re diving into the details of how many teams make the NFL playoffs and everything you need to know about the postseason.
Playoffs Expansion: A History
The NFL playoffs have undergone several expansions over the years, starting with just 12 teams in 1990. The playoffs gradually grew to encompass 32 teams in 2020, allowing nearly half of the league to reach the postseason. This expansion was driven by the desire to increase fan interest and provide more opportunities for teams to compete for a championship.
Current Playoff Format
As of the 2023-24 season, the NFL playoffs feature 14 teams from the two conferences, the AFC and the NFC. The NFL regular season consists of 18 weeks, with each team playing 17 games. The top seven teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs, with the top seed receiving a first-round bye.
Wild Card Week: Seeding and Matchups
After the regular season, the NFL holds Wild Card Weekend, where the remaining eight teams compete in four games. The No. 2 and No. 3 seeds host the No. 7 and No. 6 seeds, respectively. The winners of these games advance to Divisional Round.
Divisional Round: Top Contenders Face Off
In the Divisional Round, the top four teams from each conference face off. The No. 1 seeds host the No. 4 seeds, while the No. 2 seeds host the No. 3 seeds. The winners of these games advance to the Conference Championship games.
Conference Championship Games: Battle for the Lombardi
The Conference Championship games are the final hurdle before the Super Bowl. The two remaining teams from each conference square off to determine who will represent their conference in the grandest stage of them all. The winners of these games earn the right to compete for the NFL championship trophy, the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Super Bowl: The Ultimate Championship Showdown
The Super Bowl is the culmination of the NFL season, where the AFC and NFC champions face off in a single game. This is the biggest sporting event in the United States, watched by millions worldwide. The winner of the Super Bowl is crowned the NFL champion and gets to hoist the coveted Lombardi Trophy.
Playoff Teams by Division
| Division | AFC | NFC |
|---|---|---|
| East | Buffalo Bills | Philadelphia Eagles |
| North | Cincinnati Bengals | Green Bay Packers |
| South | Jacksonville Jaguars | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| West | Kansas City Chiefs | San Francisco 49ers |
Conclusion
Readers, there you have it. The NFL playoffs are a thrilling time for football fans, with 14 teams vying for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy. The format features a mix of wildcard games, divisional match-ups, conference championship battles, and the grand finale, the Super Bowl. Be sure to check out our other articles for more in-depth coverage of the NFL playoffs and all things football.
FAQ about How Many Teams Make the NFL Playoffs
How many teams make the NFL playoffs?
There are 14 teams that make the NFL playoffs, seven from each conference (AFC and NFC).
How many teams get a bye in the first round of the playoffs?
Four teams in each conference (AFC and NFC) receive a first-round bye. The top seed in each conference gets a bye along with the three division winners with the best records.
How are the seeds for the playoffs determined?
The teams that make the playoffs are seeded 1-7 in each conference based on their regular season records. The division winners are seeded 1-4 based on their records and the two wild card teams are seeded 5-7 based on their records.
How many wild card teams make the playoffs?
There are three wild card teams in each conference (AFC and NFC).
What is a wild card team?
A wild card team is a team that makes the playoffs despite not winning their division. The three teams with the best records among division losers qualify for the playoffs as wild cards.
How are the first-round matchups determined?
The four division winners with the best records receive a first-round bye. The remaining four playoff teams in each conference (three wild card teams and the division winner with the worst record) are seeded 5-8. The #5 seed plays the #8 seed, and the #6 seed plays the #7 seed.
How long have there been 14 teams in the NFL playoffs?
There have been 14 teams in the NFL playoffs since the 1990 season. Prior to that, there were only 10 teams in the playoffs (three division winners and one wild card team from each conference).
What are the advantages of getting a first-round bye?
Teams that receive a first-round bye have a week off to rest and prepare for the Divisional Round. They also get to play at home in the Divisional Round.
What happens if a team ties for a playoff spot?
If two or more teams tie for a playoff spot, the tiebreaker is head-to-head record. If the teams did not play each other, the tiebreaker is division record. If the teams are still tied, the tiebreaker is conference record. If the teams are still tied, the tiebreaker is point differential. If the teams are still tied, the tiebreaker is a coin toss.
Can a team make the playoffs with a losing record?
Yes, it is possible for a team to make the playoffs with a losing record. This can happen if the team wins its division but has a losing record overall. The last team to make the playoffs with a losing record was the 2014 Carolina Panthers, who went 7-8-1 but won the NFC South.
