Understanding the NFL playoff seeding rules and tiebreakers

It’s not THAT confusing. Let’s break it down.

The NFL playoffs seeding can get confusing.

Practically every season, the standings aren’t finalized until the final minutes of Week 17. And there are countless hypotheticals for each team with playoff potential. If this, then that. If that, then his. It can definitely get little confusing when the graphics display just about every possible outcome.

And while it seems like there is infinite possibility for the finals weeks, there is a fairly simple seeding system in the NFL. The rules can be broken down. That’s why we’re here. Here’s a look at some of the basics for the NFL’s playoff seeding rules.

1. Who gets into the playoffs?

Each conference gets six teams into the playoffs.

The top four seeds in each conference are given to the team with the best record in each division. That way, every division is represented in the playoffs. The downside with this organization structure is that it doesn’t always include the best teams. If one division is loaded with talented teams with strong records and the other is without talent and without wins, the lackluster division still gets a team in the playoffs.

The wild-card spots (seeds No. 5 and 6) are awarded to the teams with the best records behind the divisional leaders.

2. Why are the top two seeds so important?

The first and second seed in each conference get a first-round bye in the playoffs. That week off can be crucial for injury-riddled teams in need of a rest. It also allows that team to get a jump on their potential competition. What’s more, the top seed is guaranteed home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. In every matchup, the higher seed is awarded the home-field advantage.

3. What happens in a tiebreaker?

In many cases, the seeding comes down to a tiebreaker, as teams will have the same record. The NFL settles the conference and division seeding issues with following tiebreakers:

  1. Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
  2. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
  3. Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games (games played against the same opponents).
  4. Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
  5. Strength of victory (the combined won-lost-tied percentage of all the teams that a club has defeated).
  6. Strength of schedule (the combined won-lost-tied percentage of all the teams that a club has played against).
  7. Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
  8. Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
  9. Best net points in common games.
  10. Best net points in all games.
  11. Best net touchdowns in all games.

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