What does clinched division mean in NFL?

Clinching a division in the NFL means a team has secured the top position in its division for the regular season. There are eight divisions in the National Football League, four in the AFC Conference and four in the NFC Conference. All division champions have an automatic playoff berth, and the rest are decided through tiebreakers.

Clinching a division is different from clinching a playoff berth, as the latter means a franchise has qualified for the postseason. A team with a clinched playoff slot can lose out the rest of the season and still have a spot in the playoffs.

It's important to note that a clinched division is better than clinching a playoff berth. Both terms mean the team is going to the playoffs, but a clinched division results in a higher seeding.

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Does it matter if you clinch the division?

It does matter, as clinching a division means you will be afforded some perks heading into the postseason.

First off, there's the seeding that divisional champs are afforded. You are officially seeded above the wild card franchises when you win a division. The franchises that win their division are ranked one to four. Your seeding will determine your matchup for the first round of the NFL playoffs.

Also, with higher seeding comes home-field advantage. The team with the higher seed play at home throughout the playoffs until the Super Bowl. Not only does that offer your team fan support during the playoffs, but it can also mean your team will not have to travel during these games.

Can't wait for the playoffs to kick off? We feel you! Use our NFL playoff predictor to simulate the games and see who comes out on top!

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Listing every award winner from the NFL honors night

Here's a long list of 2023 NFL Honors night award winners:

AP Most Valuable Player

Winner: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB

Second: Jalen Hurts, Eagles QB

Third: Josh Allen, Bills QB

Fourth: Joe Burrow, Bengals QB

Fifth: Justin Jefferson, Vikings WR

AP Offensive Player of the Year

Winner: Justin Jefferson, Vikings WR

Second: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB

Third: Jalen Hurts, Eagles QB

Fourth: Tyreek Hill, Dolphins WR

AP Defensive Player of the Year

Winner: Nick Bosa, 49ers DE

Second: Micah Parsons, Cowboys LB

Third: Chris Jones, Chiefs DT

AP Coach of the Year

Winner: Brian Daboll, Giants Head Coach

Second: Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach

Third: Doug Pederson, Jaguars Head Coach

AP Comeback Player of the Year

Winner: Geno Smith, Seahawks QB

Second: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers RB

Third: Saquon Barkley, Giants RB

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year

Winner: Garrett Wilson, Jets WR

Second: Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks RB

Third: Brock Purdy, 49ers QB

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

Winner: Sauce Gardner, Jets CB

Second: Aidan Hutchinson, Lions DE

Third: Tariq Woolen, Seahawks CB

AP Assistant Coach of the Year

Winner: DeMeco Ryans, 49ers defensive coordinator

Second: Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator

Third: Shane Steichen, Eagles offensive coordinator

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

Winner: Dak Prescott, Cowboys QB

Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

Winner: Calais Campbell, Ravens DE

Salute to Service Award

Winner: Ron Rivera, Commanders head coach

Best Moment of the Year

Winner: Justin Jefferson's one-handed catch

FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year

Air: Joe Burrow, Bengals QB

Ground: Josh Jacobs, Raiders RB

Angry Run of the Year

Winner: Dameon Pierce, Texans RB

Bud Light Celly of the Year

Winner: Bengals defense's roller coaster celebration

NFL Fan of the Year

Winner: Seahawks super-fan Larry Bevans