How do nfl teams with identical records and identical head-to-head results resolve tiebreakers?

 

When NFL teams have identical records and identical head-to-head results, the tiebreaker process involves the following steps:

1. Head-to-Head Sweep: If one team has defeated each of the others or lost to each of the others, the team with the better head-to-head record wins the tiebreaker.

2. Best Won-Lost-Tied Percentage in Games Played Within the Conference: If head-to-head sweep is not applicable, the teams are compared based on their won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.

3. Best Won-Lost-Tied Percentage in Common Games: If teams have played an unequal number of games, the best won-lost-tied percentage in common games is used to break the tie.

Key Points

• When one team wins the tiebreaker, all other teams revert to Step 1 of the applicable two-club or three-club format.

• In situations where three or more teams from the same division are involved in the tiebreaker, the original seeding of the teams remains the same for subsequent applications of the tiebreaker if the top-ranked team in that division qualifies for a wild card berth.

• Only one club advances to the playoffs in any tie-breaking step. The remaining tied clubs revert to the first step of the applicable division or wild card tiebreakers.

By following these steps, the NFL ensures a fair and consistent method for resolving tiebreakers among teams with identical records and identical head-to-head results.