there are 4 divisions in each conference, and 6 playoff teams altogether. Each division winner makes it in, and is seeded anywhere from 1-4, based on records. Then that leaves 2 wildcard spots open for the rest of the conference. There are multiple tiebreakers used if teams finish tied, such as conference record. Then, the 1 and 2 seed get a bye past the 1st round, and the 2 seed plays the 5 seed, and the 3 seed plays the 4 seed. Whichever seed is the lowest remaining after these two games then plays the 1 seed in the next round, and the other winner plays the 2 seed. Then the winner of each of these two games play in the conference championship, then the winner goes on to the super bowl.