Ladbrokes’ full guide to the NFL Playoffs
Current playoff picture and Super Bowl favourites
Format explained for beginners
The NFL Playoffs can seem complicated when you’re new to American Football. If you’ve ever watched the Super Bowl without understanding how the teams got there, this guide explains everything clearly. You will learn how teams qualify, how the rounds work, why seeding matters, and what fans can expect as the playoffs begin. You can also explore the action further through Ladbrokes’ NFL Betting Hub and get to grips with the sport fully with our beginner’s guide to betting on American Football.
What are the NFL Playoffs?Â
The NFL Playoffs are a knockout tournament that takes place at the end of the regular season. Fourteen teams take part each year, and they compete to reach the Super Bowl, which decides the league champion.Â
For many UK fans, the playoffs are the moment the sport becomes easiest to follow because each game matters. Win and you move on. Lose and your season is over.Â
Understanding the NFL structure: Conferences and Divisions
To understand the playoffs, it helps to know how the NFL is organised.Â
Each conference is divided into four divisions (North, South, East, West)Â Â Â
This structure creates rivalries and gives the league a fair schedule. Most importantly, it shapes who qualifies for the playoffs.Â
How do teams qualify for the NFL Playoffs?
Each conference sends seven teams to the playoffs:Â
1. Four division winners   Â
These teams automatically qualify because they finished top of their division.Â
2. Three Wild Card teams  Â
These are the teams with the best records that did not win their divisions.Â
How does the NFL Playoff seeding work?Once the seven teams are chosen, they are ranked from 1 to 7 within each conference:Â
Seeding decides:Â
NFL Playoff PictureAFC playoff standings
Seed
Team
Record
Division
1
Denver Broncos
12-2
AFC West
2
New England Patriots
11-3
AFC East
3
Jacksonville Jaguars
10-4
AFC South
4
Pittsburgh Steelers
8-6
AFC North
5
Los Angeles Chargers
10-4
AFC West
6
Buffalo Bills
10-4
AFC East
7
Houston Texans
9-5
AFC South
In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-6), Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
NFC playoff standings
Seed
Team
Record
Division
1
Los Angeles Rams
11-3
NFC West
2
Chicago Bears
10-4
NFC North
3
Philadelphia Eagles
9-5
NFC East
4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7-7
NFC South
5
Seattle Seahawks
11-3
NFC West
6
San Francisco 49ers
10-4
NFC West
7
Green Bay Packers
9-4-1
NFC North
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (8-6), Carolina Panthers (7-7), Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
NFL Playoff formatÂ
The NFL Playoffs progress through four rounds, leading to the Super Bowl.Â
1. Wild Card Weekend (Jan 10–12)Â
This is the opening round and one of the most exciting weekends of the season.Â
2. Divisional Round (Jan 17–18)  Â
The No.1 seed enters here, hosting the lowest remaining seed.Â
3. Conference Championships (Jan 25)Â Â Â
Each conference plays one final match:Â
Winners move to the Super Bowl.Â
4. Super Bowl (Feb 8)Â Â Â
A neutral venue hosts the AFC vs NFC champions. It is one of the largest sporting events in the world.Â
Tiebreakers made simple
If teams finish with the same number of wins, the NFL uses:Â
Beginner tips for following the NFL PlayoffsHow do I watch the NFL?
UK audiences can watch the NFL on Sky Sports, with Ladbrokes account holders able to stream selected games on our platforms.
Can I bet on the NFL?
Ladbrokes is offering customers the ability to bet on a range of NFL betting markets, including Super Bowl winner, MVP betting and division winner odds.
When is the Super Bowl?
Super Bowl LX takes place on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
