What is the first tiebreaker in the NFL?

Answer 1

There are 12 criteria used to break ties for the Division championship starting with head to head competition, then best win/loss record in the division, then best win/loss record in common games, and going all the way to the 12th criteria which is a coin toss. There are 11 criteria used for breaking ties between two teams for a wild card playoff spot and 12 criteria used for three or more teams. They are very similar to the Division Championship tiebreaker rules, the first being head to head competition and the last being a coin toss. A coin toss has never been needed to break a tie for a playoff spot in the history of the NFL. Click on the 'NFL Tiebreaker Rules' link below to view a comprehensive listing of the criteria of breaking ties for playoff spots.

Answer 2

The teams conference record is the first tie breaker.