NFL playoffs: the 14 teams who have qualified for the expanded post-season games

Your guide to the 14 NFL teams taking part in the 2020-21 NFL playoffs.

New playoff format for this season

Instead of the established 12-team playoff format that had been in use since 1990, two more teams have qualified this season, with four division winners and three wildcard teams taking part from each conference.

While previously the top two seeds received a first-round bye, only the top seeds in each conference go straight through now and there are three games on each day of wildcard weekend this year instead of two previously.

Here's how the field shapes up:

AFC

1 Kansas City 14-2

The Super Bowl champions should make another strong run with quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm but they have plenty of tough competition in the AFC.

2 Buffalo 13-3

The Bills are a well-balanced outfit in red-hot form and quarterback Josh Allen has hugely improved this season.

3 Pittsburgh 12-4

The Steelers won their first 11 games before a slump but could just be getting their mojo back at the right time.

4 Tennessee 11-5

The Titans rely on destructive running back Derrick Henry but they can't rely on their defence, who gave up 439 points - the most of any playoff team.

5 Baltimore 11-5

The Ravens won their last five matches after a mid-season slump when they were hit by Covid-19. Their running game and defence make them a threat.

6 Cleveland 11-5

The Browns are in the playoffs for the first time since 2002 on merit but their impressive campaign, with running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt leading the way, looks likely to be derailed by a major Covid-19 outbreak.

7 Indianapolis 11-5

The Colts lost to four of their AFC playoff rivals in the regular season (Browns, Ravens, Titans, Steelers) and have a tough test this weekend with a trip to Buffalo.

NFC

1 Green Bay 13-3

The Packers beat the Chiefs in the first Super Bowl and a repeat can't be ruled out with QB Aaron Rodgers supported by impressive wide receiver Davante Adams and an improved running game.

2 New Orleans 12-4

The Saints have overcome adversity with QB Drew Brees missing time injured but failing to secure the top seed was a setback.

3 Seattle 12-4

The Seahawks are not the force they have been over the last decade, particularly in defence, but QB Russell Wilson will always give them a chance.

4 Washington 7-9

The temporarily nicknamed Football Team get the fourth seed after winning the worst division in the NFL, the NFC East, with a losing record and their playoff campaign should be brief.

5 Tampa Bay 11-5

The fifth seeds won four more games than the fourth seeds and Tom Brady's new side should be a team to watch in the playoffs.

6 Los Angeles Rams 10-6

Rumours of the Rams' demise proved to be exaggerated and coach Sean McVay has done a fine rebuilding job but they can throw in the odd stinker.

7 Chicago 8-8

The Bears backed into the playoffs despite losing seven of their last ten games and they may have extended their season by only one week.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits.

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

For more US Sport betting coverage visit pickswise.com

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport