The structure delineating the path to the championship in professional American football for the 2001 season, which concluded in early 2002, determined which teams would compete for the league title. This arrangement involved the top teams from both the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC) after the regular season’s completion. Seeds were assigned based on win-loss records, with the highest-ranked teams securing home-field advantage and byes into the later rounds.
This playoff format served as the culmination of a season’s worth of competition, providing a high-stakes arena where teams battled for ultimate supremacy. It created considerable fan engagement and media attention, contributing significantly to the sport’s popularity. The bracket’s historical significance lies in its encapsulation of a specific season’s narrative, showcasing the achievements and ultimately determining the champion. The outcomes of those games are still remembered and discussed to this day.