This year’s NFL playoffs begin in January, and fans are already looking forward to them. The stakes and rivalries of the playoffs often provoke deep emotions in them. The league’s elite come together in a battle for the ultimate victory. It’s about more than just the games – the playoffs are a cultural phenomenon that unites communities. Here is some information about the playoffs that will help you better understand them.
NFL playoffs start date
January 10 is supposed to be the day the playoffs start, but the NFL hasn’t yet confirmed this date. Each conference’s four division champions automatically go to the playoffs. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, and one loss can mean the end of a team’s season.
Some of the highest wagering volumes in US sports betting occur during the Super Bowl. A record 68 million Americans wagered just over $23 billion in Super Bowl LVII, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA).
Format of the playoffs
You can watch the playoffs on all the main broadcast networks if you have a satellite or cable subscription. You can also log in to your TV to access streaming services that air the playoffs.
Each conference sends seven teams to the playoffs. The teams are seeded within their conferences from 1 to 7. The No. 1 seeds in the AFC and NFC are the teams with the best regular-season records in their respective conferences. Seeds 2, 3, and 4 are the remaining division champions. Seeds 5, 6, and 7 are wild-card teams.
The postseason begins with Wild Card Weekend on January 10, where seed 2 hosts seed 7, 3 hosts 6, and 4 hosts 5.
The No. 1 seed enters the playoffs in the Divisional Round on January 17 and hosts the lowest remaining seed.
The teams that win their Divisional Round matchups move on to the Conference Championship Games on January 25.
The final teams in each conference compete to determine the Super Bowl participants on February 9.
Why seeding matters
In the NFL schedule for 2026, playoff seeding plays a crucial role, determining team matchups and whether games are played at home or on the road.
A bye week in the Wild Card Round can be a major advantage for the No. 1 seed, giving the team valuable time to rest. Home-field advantage also plays a key role, as teams and fans must consider whether games are played at home or away, where weather and conditions can vary significantly.
Matchups are everything
Fans need to look beyond what happened during the regular season and focus on specific postseason matchups. In the playoffs, a defensive team may not do so well against a team with a good running game.
Division rivals often meet again in the playoffs, adding another layer to their rivalry. Because these teams are already familiar with each other’s systems and tendencies, postseason matchups tend to hinge on strategic adjustments, in-game execution, and the ability to exploit small tactical mismatches rather than on surprise. This can lead to tighter games with low scores.
Legends are often born in the playoffs, where the high-stakes games show players at their very best.
Quarterbacks take center stage
Football is a team sport, but in the playoffs, experienced quarterbacks who stay calm under pressure often have an edge. Postseason defenses may be unforgiving and aggressive, exposing any hesitations or poor decision-making. The playoffs are also where young quarterbacks can make their mark. Franchises are likely to take note of any breakout performances.
Defense and discipline
Teams with discipline and strong defenses win postseason games. The regular season may see explosive offenses, but postseason games tend to be slower and are often decided by red zone stands, turnovers, and third-down stops. Teams that protect the ball and don’t make as many errors tend to advance.
Coaching adjustments
The playoffs can test coaches because they have to make quick decisions. For example, they may have to adjust the offensive or defensive positions within the course of a game. It’s a tense environment where the talent gap between teams may be small. The decisions coaches make can be decisive.