Have you ever wondered how many NFL teams make the playoffs? It's a question that many football fans have pondered, especially as the end of the regular season approaches. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some insight into the playoff structure in the NFL.
How Many NFL Teams Make the Playoffs?
In the NFL, a total of 14 teams make the playoffs each season. This number has been consistent since the league expanded the playoff format in 1990. Before that, only 10 teams qualified for the playoffs.
The 14 playoff teams consist of 7 teams from each conference, the AFC and the NFC. Each conference is further divided into four divisions, and the division winners automatically qualify for the playoffs. The remaining three spots in each conference are filled by the three wild card teams with the best regular-season records.
The playoff teams are determined based on the regular-season standings, with tiebreakers used to determine the order of teams with the same record. The top seed in each conference receives a bye week in the first round, while the remaining six teams in each conference compete in the wild card round.
After the wild card round, the winners advance to the divisional round, where they face the top seeds in their respective conferences. The winners of the divisional round games then move on to the conference championship games. The winners of the AFC and NFC championship games go head-to-head in the Super Bowl, the ultimate goal for all NFL teams.
It's worth noting that the number of teams making the playoffs has changed throughout the history of the NFL. In the early years of the league, only a handful of teams qualified for the postseason. As the league expanded, so did the number of playoff teams, allowing more franchises to have a shot at the championship.
In conclusion, a total of 14 NFL teams make the playoffs each season, with 7 teams from each conference. The playoff teams are determined based on the regular-season standings, with tiebreakers used to determine the order. The playoff format provides an opportunity for more teams to compete for the championship and adds excitement to the end of the football season.