In any NFL season, the playoff picture shows which teams can still qualify for the postseason based on remaining games and tiebreaking rules. For 2020, the structure included 14 teams, seven per conference, with division winners and non-division winners selected through a defined process. Teams reached the playoffs by winning their division or by earning a non-division winner spot via conference rankings. This guide explains how the 2020 playoff picture was determined, how tiebreakers were applied, and how schedules related to elimination and clinching scenarios.
How the 2020 Playoff Picture Was Defined
The playoff picture in 2020 followed the standard 14-team format used in most seasons since 2020, with slight adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league used a combination of division champions and conference rankings to fill the 14 spots. The picture was evaluated over time as teams won or lost, and as tiebreakers came into play. Key elements included head-to-head records, division records, common records, strength of victory, and common opponents, all used in that order to compare teams within and across conferences.
Regular-Season Schedule and Elimination
Each team played 16 games, with one bye week. As the season progressed, teams were either in contention, mathematically eliminated, or already qualified. Elimination depended on remaining opponents, scenarios, and tiebreakers. By Week 13 and Week 14, most teams had either clinched a playoff berth or been eliminated, sharpening the focus on which teams still held realistic paths to the postseason.
Tiebreakers and Clinching Rules
When teams finished with identical records, tiebreakers determined seeding and playoff qualification. The NFL’s official tiebreaker sequence starts with head-to-head results, then division records, conference records, strength of victory, and strength of schedule. If more than two teams were tied, procedures moved through common games and, when necessary, coin flips. A team clinched its playoff spot when no opponent it could face in remaining games or hypothetical scenarios could overtake it based on these rules.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Playoff Teams Per Conference (2020) | 7 | League Rulebook |
| Division Winners Qualifying | Yes, top team in each division per conference | NFL Competition Committee |
| Non-Division Winner Spots | 2 per conference, highest conference winning percentage | NFL Competition Committee |
| Tiebreaker Order (First Three) | Head-to-head, division record, conference record | NFL Official Tiebreaker List |
| Clinching Example (Week 13–14) | Team mathematically safe when remaining opponents cannot surpass it | NFL Playoff Scenarios |
Key Factors Shaping the 2020 Playoff Picture
Several factors influenced the 2020 playoff race, including the condensed schedule, COVID-19-related disruptions, and divisional alignment. Because teams played within their own divisions more frequently, divisional records carried extra weight. Strength of victory and common opponents also played significant roles late in the season. As teams jockeyed for position, the playoff picture changed weekly based on results, tiebreakers, and the availability of multiple paths to the postseason.
Interpreting the Playoff Picture Throughout the Season
At the start of the season, the playoff picture was broad, with many teams still viable. By the midpoint, contenders began to separate as losses mounted in division games and key non-division matchups. Near the end, teams either locked in spots or faced elimination against specific opponents. Understanding how scenarios, tiebreakers, and head-to-head results interacted helped clarify which teams were truly in control of their destiny each week.
Tiebreakers and Seeding Implications
Seeding within the conference mattered for home-field advantage in the Divisional Round. The four division winners earned top seeds as conference champions, while the three non-division winners and one wild card were seeded two through four based on winning percentage and tiebreakers. Accurate tiebreaker application was essential for ensuring correct playoff matchups and maintaining competitive balance across the postseason bracket.
Using the Playoff Picture in Analysis and Prediction
Analysts use the playoff picture to assess remaining difficulty, matchup advantages, and strategic decisions such as resting starters or playing conservatively. Fans can apply the same principles to follow race narratives week by week. By focusing on objective criteria like head-to-head results, division records, and strength of schedule, it is possible to evaluate how legitimate a team’s playoff chances remain at any point in the season.