The NFL on Tuesday approved a resolution that would expand the playoffs from 14 to 16 teams should regular-season games have to be canceled because of COVID-19.
The contingency plan would go into effect only if the NFL cannot complete its full 16-game schedule in 17 or 18 weeks.
The league first would add an 18th week before moving to expanded playoffs, which would consist of four division winners and four wild-card teams in each conference. All qualifying teams would play in the first round, and the playoffs would be completed in four rounds.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the potential action on a conference call with national media after a virtual league meeting.