How is Wildcard determined in the NFL?
The NFL playoffs are almost upon us. and it’s worth noting that there’s a lot on the line in week 18. The NFL wildcard seeding is up for grabs, and it’ll be interesting to see how everything plays out.
On both sides of the conference, the 7th seed is up for grabs. The NFL reformatted the playoffs from the 2020 season, changing the number of teams making the playoffs from 6 to 7.
They reduced the number of teams that have a bye as well. Previously, the top two seeds from each conference would earn a bye, but now only the first seed can earn a bye.
The Chiefs clinched the 1st seed in the AFC earlier by beating the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles still need a win against the Giants in week 18 to clinch the first seed. The Jaguars also clinched the playoffs with a win over the Tennessee Titans.
The play that sent the @Jaguars to the playoffs 👏 pic.twitter.com/GyBkkzIP5j
— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2023
How is the NFL Wildcard determined?
Understanding the NFL playoff picture is a little complicated based on the way division winners are seeded, but once you understand how it works, it’s not too hard.
The NFL’s four divisions all battle for the division lead throughout the season. The winners from the AFC and NFC North, South, East, and West all automatically qualify for the playoffs.
The best division winner clinches the number one seed. For example, right now, the Eagles, 49ers, Vikings, and Buccaneers have all clinched the playoffs by virtue of winning their divisions, and the Eagles are currently the number one seed because they have the best record.
Similarly in the AFC, the Chiefs, Bills, Bengals, and Jaguars are all division winners and have clinched the playoffs. These teams inherit seeds 1-4 automatically and host at least one playoff game.
The next three teams are wildcard teams. These teams are decided solely based on their records. The next three best teams from each conference are the three wildcard teams.
In the NFC, the Cowboys and Giants have clinched 2 of the wildcard spots while the Seahawks hold the last one. However, the Packers and Lions are both in play too as they square off in a ‘win and in’ scenario.
In the AFC, the Patriots occupy the 7th seed for the now, but if they lose, the door opens for the Dolphins or Steelers to seize the last wildcard spot.
In the first round of the playoffs, the 2nd seed will play the 7th seed, the 3rd seed will play the 6th seed, and the 4th seed will play the 5th seed.
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