How to Make the NFL Playoffs

The measure of a team's success in the NFL is its ability to make the playoffs on a regular basis. Only one team can win the Super Bowl, but an annual trip to the playoffs ensures your team an opportunity to reach the final game. You need to know how to make the NFL playoffs in order to keep your job in professional football.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Beat Out the Competition

1. Keep your core players fresh with an active offensive and defensive line rotation. Switch in a fresh set of defensive linemen during long drives, including pass rush specialists and an extra defensive tackle during run situations. Take out one offensive lineman at a time to avoid ruining your line chemistry.
2. Avoid the temptation at long-range projects in the NFL draft by filling your immediate needs. Many teams will take a flyer on a quarterback or cornerback who needs a few years of polish before he can play. You should look at your second team and your special teams units before you make your first draft choice.
3. Run film sessions featuring potential opponents as you head down the stretch of the NFL regular season. This is typically considered taboo since most teams focus on one team at a time. Your team should be prepared for all types of schemes during a given week, and reviewing tape on several teams will keep your team's instincts honed.
4. Cut out plays that have not worked in successive weeks from your playoff play book. Have an assistant review every play over the last month to determine areas of weakness in your offensive and defensive schemes.
5. Stick with the lineup that is playing best as you head into the NFL playoffs. A wide receiver who has played well since another player's injury or a young quarterback who beat out a veteran will have the confidence needed for the playoffs.
6. Schedule a mixture of full pad and "shells" practices throughout the season to prevent fatigue. "Shells" include helmets and light pads to protect players from potential injury during a run-through.
7. Distribute play calling, organizational and administrative tasks to your staff as you near the NFL postseason. You should have redundancy in your coaching staff to help you focus on particular players instead of team organization in pressure-filled situations.

Tips & Warnings

• Develop a good backup quarterback for your team before you head into the NFL playoffs. NFL teams that have been successful in the playoffs are able to perform well on offense whether their starting quarterback is on the field or not.
• Give your backup quarterback some snaps in blowouts and preseason.