2021 NFL playoffs: AFC playoff bracket and schedule

The NFL playoffs are almost here. Here’s how the AFC playoff picture looks at the moment and how the game schedule is laid out.

The Tennessee Titans have put themselves at the top of the AFC, beating out the Kansas City Chiefs for the top seed heading into the playoffs. The race to get here was dramatic and a little all over the place, but things are finally getting a little clearer as the NFL playoffs are just about here.

Here’s how the AFC playoff standings look right now.

AFC playoff standings

AFC playoff bracket

As it currently stands, here’s what the playoff bracket would look like in the AFC:

No. 1 seed: Tennessee Titans with a bye week

*As long as the Raiders-Chargers game on Sunday night doesn’t end in a tie, the Pittsburgh Steelers are assured of the No. 7 seed.

AFC Wild Card schedule

The first round of the NFL playoffs, the Wild Card round, will be played across three days starting Saturday, Jan. 15. Here’s how the schedule is currently shaping up.

Saturday, Jan. 15: 

• Raiders at Bengals, 4:35 p.m.
• Patriots at Bills, 8:15 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 16:

• Steelers at Chiefs, 8:15 p.m.

AFC divisional round schedule

Following the Wild Card round, the AFC divisional round will have four teams left in contention once it reaches the Divisional round. Those four teams will face off in two games that will take place on Saturday, Jan. 22 and Sunday, Jan. 23. The times for those games have not been announced as of yet.

Jan. 22

• TBD vs. TBD at TBA

Jan. 23

• TBD vs. TBD at TBA

AFC championship schedule

Whichever two AFC teams are left will then compete for the right to compete in the Super Bowl. The AFC Championship Game will be played on Sunday, Jan. 30.

Jan. 30

• TBD vs. TBD at 3:05 p.m. on CBS

That’s how the playoff schedule shapes up so far. This will be updated with more information as the playoff picture gets a little clearer.