March 5, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move set to reshape the landscape of the NFL, the league has officially announced the expansion of its playoff format for the 2025 season. The new structure will increase the number of teams qualifying for the playoffs, adding two additional spots in each conference, bringing the total number of playoff teams to 14.
The decision to expand the playoff field comes after years of discussions among team owners, executives, and the league’s competition committee, who cited the growing competitiveness of the league and the desire to increase fan engagement. The 2025 format will see the top seven teams from each conference (AFC and NFC) advance to the postseason, with the top seed in each conference receiving a first-round bye. The remaining six teams will compete in an expanded Wild Card weekend, with the two additional spots being given to the highest-seeded non-division winners.
“We’re excited to bring more teams into the playoff fold,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “The NFL is in a golden age of talent, and expanding the playoffs will allow more cities, more teams, and more fanbases to experience the excitement of postseason football.”
The expanded playoff structure will dramatically increase the stakes during the regular season, as more teams will remain in playoff contention for longer periods. The new format is expected to create more thrilling matchups in the regular season’s final weeks, with teams vying not only for their division titles but for one of the coveted Wild Card spots.
The changes also address growing demands from fans and players alike for a more inclusive postseason. In recent years, many teams with strong records have been left out of the playoffs, leading to criticisms that the previous format was too restrictive. The move is seen as an attempt by the NFL to further maximize its already immense popularity and keep fans engaged for longer stretches throughout the season.
The first expanded playoff will begin in January 2026, marking a new era for the NFL’s postseason. With more teams and more games, the 2025 season is expected to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, as the league ushers in a new era of football that promises increased drama and wider opportunities for postseason glory.
