NFL Playoff Bracket, Explained: How Format Will Work In 2022-23

Before the 2020 regular season, the NFL’s postseason received a modest reconstruction. Although a 14-team postseason is now the standard for the NFL, there was a time when that was not the case.

Twelve teams used to qualify for the playoffs, with six from each conference. The remaining eight teams were paired up in wild-card stand-offs while the remaining two teams from each conference received bye weeks.

There are now fewer bye weeks before the playoffs start and more games, which is perfect for the NFL.

The relatively new playoff system is still being adapted by many. For those who need a reminder on how the NFL playoffs operate, Sporting News is here to break it down.

NFL Playoff Bracket, Explained: How Format Will Work In 2022-23

Below is everything you could want to know about the 2023 postseason and the race to get there-

How many teams make the NFL playoffs?

The NFL playoffs will feature a total of 14 teams in 2023. The NFL will be in its third season with a 14-team playoff; prior to the 2020 NFL season, the league had a 12-team playoff.

Each conference will send seven teams to the postseason. The addition of a seventh club has no further effects other than the addition of a second wild-card game between the Nos. 2 and 7. Each conference’s second seed is no longer given a bye.

43.75 percent of the NFL’s teams will make the playoffs thanks to the 14-team structure. Each conference has four division champions in addition to three wild cards.

It is possible that an entire division might qualify for the postseason under the new system. That would require it to occupy all three wild-card places, but given the strength of the AFC and NFC East divisions, it may occur in 2023.

NFL playoff bracket 2023

Here’s a look at the latest NFL playoff bracket for 2022, updated through Week 14:

AFC

1. Buffalo Bills (BYE)
2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. 7. New England Patriots
3. Baltimore Ravens vs. 6. Miami Dolphins
4. Tennessee Titans vs. 5. Cincinnati Bengals

NFC

1. Philadelphia Eagles (BYE)
2. Minnesota Vikings vs. 7. New York Giants
3. San Francisco 49ers vs. 6. Washington Commanders
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 5. Dallas Cowboys

Why did the NFL expand the playoff field?

Money had a major role in the playoffs’ expansion. The NFL can make more money by airing two additional prime-time postseason broadcasts during the first week of the playoffs, one of which is an additional “Monday Night Football” game.

Teams remain in the playoffs race longer thanks to the additional playoff spot in each game. As a result, as the season progresses, that keeps the fan bases of average clubs interested. Additionally, it increases the likelihood that teams with sluggish starts, like the 2022 Lions, will recover and make a serious run at the playoffs.

Here’s a look at the complete NFL playoff bracket for 2023, updated through Week 14:

AFC

1. Buffalo Bills (BYE)
2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. 7. New England Patriots
3. Baltimore Ravens vs. 6. Miami Dolphins
4. Tennessee Titans vs. 5. Cincinnati Bengals

NFC

1. Philadelphia Eagles (BYE)
2. Minnesota Vikings vs. 7. New York Giants
3. San Francisco 49ers vs. 6. Washington Commanders
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 5. Dallas Cowboys

 

 

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