Creating a printable NFL playoffs bracket is a fun and engaging way to enjoy the postseason with friends and family. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just looking for a fun office pool activity, a printable bracket can add an extra layer of excitement to the games. In this article, we'll explore seven ways to create a printable NFL playoffs bracket, including online templates, Microsoft Office tools, and DIY designs.
Understanding the NFL Playoffs Bracket
Before we dive into creating a printable bracket, let's quickly review the NFL playoffs format. The playoffs consist of six teams from each conference, with the top two teams in each conference receiving a first-round bye. The remaining four teams in each conference compete in the Wild Card Round, with the winners advancing to the Divisional Round. The conference champions then meet in the Super Bowl to determine the NFL champion.
1. Online Templates: NFL Playoffs Bracket Templates
One of the easiest ways to create a printable NFL playoffs bracket is to use online templates. Websites like ESPN, NFL.com, and CBS Sports offer free printable brackets that you can download and print. These templates are often customizable, allowing you to add your own team names, logos, and predictions.
Some popular online template resources include:
- ESPN's Printable NFL Playoffs Bracket
- NFL.com's Official Playoffs Bracket
- CBS Sports' Printable NFL Playoffs Bracket
Benefits of Online Templates
- Easy to use and customize
- Often feature official team logos and graphics
- Can be printed in high-resolution quality
2. Microsoft Office: Creating a Bracket in Excel or Word
If you have Microsoft Office installed on your computer, you can create a printable NFL playoffs bracket using Excel or Word. Both programs offer a range of templates and design tools that can help you create a professional-looking bracket.
To create a bracket in Excel, follow these steps:
- Open a new Excel spreadsheet and create a table with the following columns: Team, Seed, and Score.
- Use the built-in formatting tools to add borders, shading, and fonts to your table.
- Use the "Merge Cells" feature to create a single cell for each team's logo or name.
- Add your team names, seeds, and scores to the table.
To create a bracket in Word, follow these steps:
- Open a new Word document and use the "Table" feature to create a table with the following columns: Team, Seed, and Score.
- Use the built-in formatting tools to add borders, shading, and fonts to your table.
- Use the "Insert Picture" feature to add team logos or images to your table.
- Add your team names, seeds, and scores to the table.
Benefits of Microsoft Office
- Offers advanced design and formatting tools
- Allows for easy customization and editing
- Can be printed in high-resolution quality
3. DIY Designs: Creating a Bracket from Scratch
If you're feeling creative, you can create a printable NFL playoffs bracket from scratch using a graphic design program like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. This method allows you to customize every aspect of your bracket, from the team logos to the font styles.
To create a DIY bracket, follow these steps:
- Open a new document in your graphic design program and set the dimensions to a standard paper size (e.g. 8.5 x 11 inches).
- Use the "Shape" tool to create a series of rectangles and lines that will form the bracket structure.
- Use the "Text" tool to add team names, seeds, and scores to the bracket.
- Use the "Image" tool to add team logos or images to the bracket.
- Customize the font styles, colors, and borders to match your desired design.
Benefits of DIY Designs
- Offers complete customization and control
- Can be created using a range of design programs and tools
- Allows for unique and creative designs
4. Printable Bracket PDFs: Download and Print
Another option for creating a printable NFL playoffs bracket is to download a pre-designed PDF template. Websites like PrintableBrackets.net and BracketCloud.com offer a range of free printable brackets that you can download and print.
To use a printable bracket PDF, follow these steps:
- Visit a website that offers free printable brackets and select the NFL playoffs template.
- Download the PDF file to your computer and open it in a PDF viewer (e.g. Adobe Acrobat).
- Print the bracket on standard paper or cardstock.
- Fill in the team names, seeds, and scores by hand.
Benefits of Printable Bracket PDFs
- Easy to use and print
- Often feature pre-designed layouts and graphics
- Can be printed in high-resolution quality
5. Using a Bracket Maker Tool: Online Bracket Generators
Online bracket maker tools are another option for creating a printable NFL playoffs bracket. Websites like BracketMaker.com and TournamentBracket.com offer interactive tools that allow you to create and customize your own bracket.
To use an online bracket maker tool, follow these steps:
- Visit a website that offers an online bracket maker tool and select the NFL playoffs template.
- Use the interactive tool to add team names, seeds, and scores to the bracket.
- Customize the font styles, colors, and borders to match your desired design.
- Print the bracket on standard paper or cardstock.
Benefits of Online Bracket Maker Tools
- Easy to use and customize
- Often feature interactive tools and design options
- Can be printed in high-resolution quality
6. Microsoft PowerPoint: Creating a Bracket Presentation
Microsoft PowerPoint is another option for creating a printable NFL playoffs bracket. You can use the presentation software to create a professional-looking bracket with team logos, scores, and graphics.
To create a bracket in PowerPoint, follow these steps:
- Open a new PowerPoint presentation and create a new slide.
- Use the "Table" feature to create a table with the following columns: Team, Seed, and Score.
- Use the "Insert Picture" feature to add team logos or images to the table.
- Use the "Text" tool to add team names, seeds, and scores to the table.
- Customize the font styles, colors, and borders to match your desired design.
Benefits of Microsoft PowerPoint
- Offers advanced design and formatting tools
- Allows for easy customization and editing
- Can be printed in high-resolution quality
7. Google Docs: Creating a Bracket Spreadsheet
Google Docs is a free online word processing tool that can be used to create a printable NFL playoffs bracket. You can use the spreadsheet feature to create a table with team names, seeds, and scores.
To create a bracket in Google Docs, follow these steps:
- Open a new Google Docs document and create a new table with the following columns: Team, Seed, and Score.
- Use the "Insert Image" feature to add team logos or images to the table.
- Use the "Text" tool to add team names, seeds, and scores to the table.
- Customize the font styles, colors, and borders to match your desired design.
Benefits of Google Docs
- Offers advanced design and formatting tools
- Allows for easy customization and editing
- Can be printed in high-resolution quality
We hope this article has provided you with a range of options for creating a printable NFL playoffs bracket. Whether you choose to use online templates, Microsoft Office tools, or DIY designs, we're sure you'll have fun creating your own bracket and enjoying the postseason with friends and family.
Don't forget to share your bracket with us on social media and let us know who you think will win the Super Bowl!
What is the format of the NFL playoffs?
+The NFL playoffs consist of six teams from each conference, with the top two teams in each conference receiving a first-round bye. The remaining four teams in each conference compete in the Wild Card Round, with the winners advancing to the Divisional Round. The conference champions then meet in the Super Bowl to determine the NFL champion.
How do I create a printable NFL playoffs bracket?
+You can create a printable NFL playoffs bracket using online templates, Microsoft Office tools, or DIY designs. You can also use online bracket maker tools or Google Docs to create a bracket.
What are the benefits of using online templates?
+Online templates offer a range of benefits, including ease of use, customization options, and high-resolution printing quality.