All of the top NFL teams are currently battling it out for a spot at Super Bowl LIV, and as the season heats up, the importance of tiebreaking rules cannot be overstated. With so much at stake, fans are left wondering how these rules will shape the postseason landscape.
In 2002, the NFL realigned into eight four-team divisions to accommodate the arrival of the Houston Texans. This change has since influenced how teams compete and how playoff spots are determined. As we approach the playoffs, understanding the tiebreaking procedures becomes crucial for fans and teams alike.
Understanding NFL playoff tiebreakers
If two or more clubs in the same division finish the regular season with identical won-lost-tied percentages, a series of steps will be followed to determine who advances. The tiebreaking process is detailed and can be quite intense, especially as teams vie for those coveted playoff spots.
Two clubs
For two clubs tied at the end of the season, the following criteria will be assessed:
- Head-to-head record (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs)
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference
- Strength of victory
- Strength of schedule
- Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed
- Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed
- Best net points in common games
- Best net points in all games
- Best net touchdowns in all games
- Coin toss
This detailed approach ensures that every aspect of a team’s performance is taken into account. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about how teams perform against each other and within their divisions.
Three or more clubs
When three or more clubs are involved, the tiebreaking process reverts to step one of the two-club format after eliminating teams. This means that the competition remains fierce, and every game counts.
Breaking ties for wild card teams
The wild card spots are just as competitive, and breaking ties among wild card teams follows a specific set of rules. If two clubs are tied, the following steps will be taken:
- If the tied clubs are from the same division, apply the division tiebreaker.
- If they are from different divisions, apply the following criteria:
Two clubs
The criteria for two clubs tied for a wild card spot include:
- Head-to-head record, if applicable.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
- Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games (minimum of four).
- Strength of victory.
- Strength of schedule.
- Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
- Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
- Best net points in conference games.
- Best net points in all games.
- Best net touchdowns in all games.
- Coin toss.
This rigorous process ensures that only the best teams make it to the playoffs, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the NFL season.
How does postseason seeding work?
Understanding how teams are seeded in the postseason is vital for fans. There are seven postseason participants from each conference, and they are seeded as follows:
- No. 1 seed: Best record in the NFC or AFC
- No. 2 seed: Second-best record for a division winner
- No. 3 seed: Third-best record for a division winner
- No. 4 seed: Fourth-best record for a division winner
- No. 5 seed: Best record for wild card teams
- No. 6 seed: Second-best record for wild card teams
- No. 7 seed: Third-best record for wild card teams
This structure highlights the importance of each game throughout the regular season, as every win can significantly impact a team’s playoff position.
Other tiebreaking rules
In the event of a tie, only one club advances at each tiebreaking step. The remaining tied clubs revert to the first step of the applicable division or wild card tiebreakers. This means that every game, every point, and every decision matters.
For example, if two clubs remain tied after all other teams have been eliminated, the process reverts to the two-club format. This ensures a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each team’s performance.
To determine home-field priority among division titlists, wild card tiebreakers are applied. Conversely, for wild card qualifiers, division tiebreakers are used if teams are from the same division, while wild card tiebreakers apply if they are from different divisions.
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, the tension will only mount. Will your favorite team secure their spot? Or will they find themselves in the midst of a tiebreaking frenzy? One thing is for sure: the road to Super Bowl LIV is paved with excitement, and every game counts!
