You Scratching Your Head Trying to Figure Out How Many Teams Make the NFL Playoffs? Hold My Beer and Let Me Explain
Ah, the glorious NFL playoffs. A time for epic throwdowns, questionable referee calls, and enough chicken wings to feed a small army. But before you get too caught up in the snack-fueled frenzy, there's a crucial question that might be nagging at your brain: exactly how many teams get to throw down in the postseason?
Fear not, my friend, for I am here to shed light on this most pressing of gridiron mysteries! Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that's both informative and, dare I say, hilarious (because let's face it, explaining football rules can be about as exciting as watching paint dry... unless that paint is, like, neon green and flung by a rogue squirrel. Now that's entertainment!).
The Magic Number: 14... But It Wasn't Always This Way
That's right, folks, 14 teams get to scrap it out for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. But here's the fun part: it wasn't always this way. The NFL playoffs, much like your favorite pair of jeans, have undergone some major fashion (or should we say, format) changes over the years. Back in the day, only 12 teams got a shot at glory. Can you imagine the heartbreak? Two fewer teams getting to experience the joy of a playoff victory (or the crushing defeat, depending on your perspective)? Talk about a bummer!
Thankfully, in 2020, the NFL decided to expand the party and let two more teams join the fun. This was like that time your friend invited an extra person to the movie night, and it turned out to be the best movie night ever (because, let's be honest, the more people, the merrier... especially if they bring extra popcorn).
How Those 14 Teams Get Picked: It's All About the Conferences, Baby!
The NFL is divided into two conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Think of them like rival high schools... except with way more shoulder pads and less awkward cafeteria food (hopefully).
Each conference gets seven teams to represent them in the playoffs. Here's how they're chosen:
- The Division Champions: These are the teams that rule the roost in their respective divisions within each conference. Basically, they're the top dogs, the alpha wolves, the kings (or queens) of the jungle (well, more like a concrete jungle with a giant inflatable zebra, but you get the idea).
- The Wild Card Bunch: These are the remaining three teams from each conference with the best regular season records who didn't win their division. They're the underdogs, the scrappers, the ones who might surprise you with their grit and determination (and maybe a Hail Mary pass or two).
So, there you have it! The not-so-secret secret to how many teams make the NFL playoffs. Now you can impress your friends at your next Super Bowl party with your newfound knowledge. Just remember, with great knowledge comes great responsibility... the responsibility to explain all the other confusing NFL rules to them too (but maybe pace yourself, nobody likes a know-it-all).
