The NFL playoff bracket is ever-changing and differs from the static formats common in other leagues. That means that seedings play a big role in future matchups. The No. 1 seeded Chiefs and Lions will face off against the worst team, based on seeding, remaining in their conference in the divisional-round.

The number of playoff teams has fluctuated from as few as two teams (from 1933 to 1966) to as many as 16 teams (in 1982). The NFL expanded from 12 to 14 playoff teams in 2020. The NFL playoffs are single elimination.