14 teams make the NFL playoffs each season – 7 from the AFC and 7 from the NFC. Each conference’s playoff bracket includes four division winners (seeded 1-4) and three wild card teams (seeded 5-7). The top seed in each conference earns a first-round bye.

Playoff seeding is determined by win-loss record, with tiebreakers applied when necessary. The four division winners are seeded 1-4 based on their records, regardless of wild card team records. Seeds 5-7 go to the three non-division winners with the best records. Tiebreakers include head-to-head results, division record, common games, conference record, and strength of victory.

“In The Hunt” refers to the seven teams in each conference that currently hold playoff positions. If the regular season ended today, these teams would qualify for the postseason. However, with games remaining, these positions can change weekly based on game results and tiebreakers.

“On The Bubble” describes teams currently outside the playoff picture but still mathematically alive for a postseason berth. These teams (typically seeds 8-16) need to win games and have other results fall their way to climb into a playoff spot before the regular season ends.

Playoff probabilities are calculated using advanced algorithms that factor in current standings, remaining schedule strength, head-to-head records, division records, and thousands of season simulations. The percentages show each team’s likelihood of making the playoffs based on these variables. Teams with higher win percentages against stronger opponents typically have better playoff odds.

A team clinches a playoff spot when their position is mathematically secured, meaning no combination of remaining game results can eliminate them from the postseason. This typically happens when a team’s wins exceed what other teams can achieve, or when they win their division outright. Clinching scenarios vary based on conference standings and remaining schedules.

The NFL playoff picture is updated after every game throughout the regular season. Major updates occur after each week’s games conclude, typically by Monday night or Tuesday morning. During the final weeks of the season, standings can shift dramatically with each game, making daily updates crucial for tracking playoff races and clinching scenarios.