How Many Teams Get a First Round Bye in NFL Football Playoffs?

Learn how many NFL teams get a first-round bye in the playoffs and how the 2020 format change affects playoff seeding.

112 views

In the NFL, only one team from each conference receives a first-round bye in the playoffs. This change began with the 2020 season, when the playoff format expanded to include seven teams from each conference. The top seed in the AFC and NFC each secure a bye, allowing them a week of rest and direct entry into the Divisional Round.

FAQs & Answers

  1. How many teams get a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs? Since the 2020 season, only one team from each conference (AFC and NFC) receives a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs.
  2. Why did the NFL change the playoff format in 2020? The NFL expanded the playoffs to seven teams per conference in 2020, reducing the number of teams getting a first-round bye to only the top seed per conference.
  3. What advantage does a first-round bye provide in the NFL playoffs? A first-round bye allows the top-seeded team in each conference a week of rest and automatic advancement to the Divisional Round, potentially improving their chances to win.

Watch More

For more insights on NFL playoff rules and team advantages, explore articles on playoff seeding strategies and the impact of recent NFL format changes.

  1. How Many NFL Teams Receive a First Round Bye in the Playoffs? Learn how many NFL teams get a first round bye in the playoffs and what advantages this provides.
  2. Which Seeds Get a Bye in the NFL Playoffs? Explained Learn which NFL playoff seeds earn a bye and advance directly to the Divisional Round, rewarding their top regular-season performance.
  3. How Does the NFL Playoff Schedule Work? A Complete Breakdown Learn how the NFL playoff schedule works, including seeding, rounds, and how teams advance to the Super Bowl in this clear overview.
  4. Who Gets a Playoff Bye in Fantasy Football and How to Secure It? Discover which fantasy football teams earn playoff byes and tips on how to secure this strategic advantage during your season.
  5. What Is the New NFL Playoff Rule Introduced in 2020? Learn about the NFL's 2020 playoff rule change, expanding teams from 12 to 14 and altering the bye week structure for more excitement.
  6. When Did the NFL Change Playoff Seeding and What Was the Impact? Discover how the NFL changed its playoff seeding in 2020, expanding teams and making the postseason more competitive.
  7. How Do NFL Playoffs Work in 2024? Complete Format Explained Discover how the 2024 NFL playoffs work, including team selection, rounds, and home advantage in this concise guide.
  8. How Do NFL Football Playoffs Work? Explained Step-by-Step Discover how NFL football playoffs work, including the Wild Card, Divisional rounds, and the path to the Super Bowl championship.
  9. Do You Get a Bye in Fantasy Football Playoffs? Explained Learn if top fantasy football teams get a bye in playoffs and how it impacts your league. Understand the advantages and rules variations.
  10. Who Gets a Bye Week in Fantasy Football Playoffs? Discover which fantasy football teams receive a bye week in the playoffs and why top-seeded teams benefit from this advantage.
  11. How Do the NFL Playoffs Work? A Complete Breakdown of the 2024 NFL Postseason Format Learn how the NFL playoffs work with 14 teams, seeding, rounds, and the path to the Super Bowl in this clear and concise explanation.