The NFL playoffs: Teams that have contended or been eliminated so far appeared originally on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Kansas City Chiefs will officially carry their three-time bid into the postseason.
The two-time defending Super Bowl champions on Friday became the first NFL team in the 2024 season to clinch a playoff spot — and did so with another nail-biting victory.
The Chiefs appeared headed for their second loss of the campaign as the Las Vegas Raiders moved into position for a potential game-winning field goal in Week 13 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. But on 3rd-and-3 with 15 seconds left, the Raiders botched the snap and the Chiefs recovered the loose ball to seal the game.
With the 19-17 victory, Kansas City has won nine of 11 games by seven points or fewer. And the Chiefs’ latest thriller bookended the franchise’s 10th trip to the postseason — one year ahead of the New England Patriots’ record playoff streak (2009-19).
Between now and the end of the regular season, several other teams will look to join Kansas City in the postseason for a chance to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. As the playoff field begins to take shape, you should know:
How many teams will make the NFL playoffs?
A total of 14 teams – seven from each conference – will make the NFL playoffs.
How many wild card NFL teams are there?
The playoff field in each conference consists of four division winners and three wild-card teams.
How many teams will have a bye in the NFL playoffs?
Only the top seed in each conference gets a bye in the divisional round.
Which teams are in the NFL playoffs so far?
The Chiefs are the only team to clinch a playoff spot heading into Sunday’s Week 13 action.
Which teams were eliminated from the NFL playoffs?
One team in each conference has been eliminated from playoff contention so far:
AFC
NFC
How do the NFL playoffs work?
Teams are seeded 1-7 in each conference, with the four division winners ranked by regular season record, followed by the three wild card teams ranked by regular season record.
The games in the opening round of the playoffs are no. 2 against 7, no. 3 against 6 and no. 4 against no. 5.
Making it to the NFL playoffs?
Yes, the NFL is back in the playoffs. This means that the top seed in each conference draws the lowest seeded team to advance beyond the opening round of the playoffs.
When does the 2024 NFL regular season end?
The regular season will conclude with Week 18 action on Sunday, January 5.
When do the NFL playoffs start?
The postseason will then begin with Super Wild Card Weekend from Saturday, January 11th through Monday, January 13th.
What is the NFL playoff schedule?
The divisional round will take place from Saturday, January 18th to Sunday, January 19th, with the AFC and NFC Championships on Sunday, January 26th.
When is Super Bowl 2025?
The AFC and NFC champions will meet in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9.
Where is the 2025 Super Bowl being played?
Caesars Superdome, home of the New Orleans Saints, in the Big Easy will host the Big Game.