The NFL playoffs, a thrilling time of the year for football fans, are when the best of the best in the National Football League compete for the coveted Super Bowl title. The process of getting to this stage, however, might seem a little complex to some. So, let’s break it down and answer a common question: How many teams make it to the NFL playoffs?
As of the 2020 season, a total of 14 teams, seven from each of the NFL’s two conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), make it to the playoffs. This is an increase from the previous format, which allowed six teams from each conference, totaling 12 teams.
The change came about as a part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ratified by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. This format allows one additional wild-card team from each conference. The NFL’s decision to expand the playoffs was aimed at increasing the excitement of the season finale, and it has indeed added an extra layer of suspense and intrigue to the games.
Under the new format, the team with the best record in each conference receives a first-round bye. Previously, the top two teams in each conference were granted this privilege. Now, the second seed must play in the wild-card round against the seventh seed.
The wild-card round is the opening weekend of the playoffs and it features six games instead of the previous four. This round is followed by the Divisional round, where the first-seeded teams join in after their bye week. The winners of the Divisional round games advance to the Conference Championships, and the victors of those games then make their way to the Super Bowl.
The seeding of teams in the playoffs is determined by their performance in the regular season. The team with the best record in each of the NFL’s eight divisions is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. The remaining three teams in each conference are the wild-card teams and they are the ones with the best records among the non-division-winning teams.
A tie-breaking procedure is in place in case two or more teams end up with the same record. This procedure takes into account several factors such as head-to-head results, win-loss percentage in conference games, and strength of victory, among others.
The expanded NFL playoffs have proven to be an exciting addition to the football season, offering more teams the opportunity to compete for the Super Bowl and giving fans more games to enjoy. It has also made the regular season games even more crucial as teams vie for that important first-round bye.
Understanding the structure and mechanics of the NFL playoffs not only enhances the viewing experience but also deepens one’s appreciation for the strategies employed by teams throughout the season. From the wild-card round to the Super Bowl, every game is a high-stakes battle where every play counts, making for an exhilarating spectacle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Now, with this knowledge in your playbook, you’re all set to enjoy the NFL playoffs even more.