Is the NFL Wild Card game single elimination?

Yes, NFL Wild Card games are single elimination. One loss, and a team’s Super Bowl dreams are dashed. This sudden-death format applies to every round of the NFL playoffs, from the Wild Card weekend through the Divisional Round, Conference Championships, and culminating in the Super Bowl. Seven teams from each conference (AFC and NFC) earn the right to compete in this high-stakes tournament: the four division winners and three wild card teams with the best records among the non-winners. This single-elimination structure intensifies the pressure and elevates the importance of each game, making every snap, every play, and every coaching decision critically important. The “win or go home” nature of the playoffs creates a thrilling and unpredictable atmosphere, where underdogs can rise and favorites can fall in a single, decisive matchup. This high-stakes environment is a hallmark of the NFL playoffs and contributes significantly to its drama and excitement.