Sporting News on MSN

NFL playoff bracket, explained: How byes, seeding, format will work in 2026

Fourteen sides — seven from each conference — will take part in the NFL playoffs. Each will hope to lift the Lombardi Trophy come postseason's end.

What is the NFL playoff format? How the NFL playoffs work for the 2025-26 postseason

The NFL playoffs are one week away and most of the field is set entering Week 18. Here's what to know about the postseason format and bracket.

NFL playoffs bracket: Schedule, seeds, format for 2025-26 postseason

Fourteen teams, seven in each conference, make the postseason. The number of playoff teams has varied from as few as two teams (from 1933 to 1966) to as many as 16 teams (in 1982). The NFL expanded from 12 to 14 playoff teams in 2020.

NFL Week 18 live scores and updates: Playoff bracket as Broncos clinch AFC No. 1, Bears and Eagles lose

Sunday Night Football” between the Ravens and Steelers to decide the AFC North title – the playoff bracket is nearly set. Panthers clinched NFC South title and playoff berth with Falcons' 19-17 win over Saints,
Feedback