List of NFL playoff games

The List of NFL playoff games refers to the postseason games organized by the National Football League (NFL) to determine the NFL champion. The NFL playoffs culminate in the Super Bowl, which is one of the most watched sporting events globally. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament held after the regular season, featuring teams that have qualified based on their regular season records.

History

The NFL playoffs began in 1933 when the NFL was divided into two divisions, and the team with the best record from each division would meet in the NFL Championship Game. Over the years, the format has expanded several times to accommodate more teams and games, reflecting the growth and popularity of the league.

Format

As of the current format, the NFL playoffs include seven teams from each of the league's two conferences (the AFC and the NFC). This format was adopted starting from the 2020 season, expanding from the previous 12-team format to allow one additional wild card team from each conference.

The playoff seeds are determined based on regular season records, with the division champions earning the top four seeds and the next three teams with the best records receiving wild card berths. The top seed from each conference receives a first-round bye, while the remaining teams face off in the Wild Card round. Winners advance to the Divisional round, followed by the Conference Championships, with the respective AFC and NFC champions meeting in the Super Bowl.

Notable Games

Several NFL playoff games have become famous due to their dramatic nature, significant upsets, or historic outcomes. Some of these include:

• The Ice Bowl - the 1967 NFL Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, known for its extremely cold conditions.
• The Immaculate Reception - a 1972 AFC Divisional playoff game where a last-second play turned the game in favor of the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Oakland Raiders.
• The Tuck Rule Game - a 2001 AFC Divisional playoff game where a controversial call involving Tom Brady and the New England Patriots led to a victory over the Oakland Raiders.

Impact and Legacy

The NFL playoffs have had a significant impact on American culture, often bringing high television ratings and a large fan following. Memorable playoff games have contributed to the legacies of players and teams, influencing discussions about the greatest teams and performances in NFL history.

See also

• Super Bowl
• NFL regular season
• Pro Bowl
• List of Super Bowl champions