There are a few different ways to pick the teams in your NFL playoff bracket. The first step is to decide which teams will advance to the conference championships. The two conference champions will then face off in the Conference Championship, and the winner will then play in the Super Bowl. The first two rounds of the playoffs are the same as the regular season, but you will see that there are a few minor changes in the order of seeding.
The playoffs were first held in 1996 and this year, the NFL has expanded to 14 teams. The top-seed in each conference will receive a bye in the first round and will have home-field advantage throughout the divisional rounds. The second seed will play the seventh seed in the third wild card round. Meanwhile, the No. 3 and 4 seeds will play each other in the divisional rounds. The game between the two teams is set for Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023 at State Farm Stadium.
The NFC and AFC are both seeded according to the current standings. The AFC has five teams that have already clinched their playoff spot, while the NFC has just two teams that have not yet qualified for the playoffs. For example, the Chiefs and Packers both clinched their spots heading into Week 17. While the Titans and Steelers both had easy clinching scenarios heading into Week 18, the Colts and Chargers are both out of the playoff picture.
The NFC playoffs are slightly different from the 12-team playoff that was held a few years ago. The NFL changed the playoff format before last season to add two teams from each conference. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you have the correct team picks for your NFL playoff bracket. It’s also important to note that the Miami Dolphins lost in Week 17 to the Titans. The Dolphins had a great chance of making the playoffs this year, but their loss to the Titans means that they are out.
The New England Patriots are in the AFC, but don’t count them out just yet. Their new regime will put pressure on the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins added new offensive pieces with Terreek Armstead and Tyreek Hill. And the New York Jets have a young core and an excellent draft class. If they can play safe and get the help of the Buccaneers, they could sneak into the playoffs.
The Tennessee Titans are the defending champions of the AFC South. The other two teams in the division have question marks after the AFC Divisional Playoffs, but the Titans are still considered one of the most dangerous teams in the conference. And although quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s health has been a concern, the team’s defense looks solid and the wideouts are among the best in the league.