After 272 games the NFL regular season is in the books and now the race to the Super Bowl is firmly under way as we enter play-off football.

The 32 teams that began with dreams of glory have been trimmed to the final 14 who will contest 12 games over three weeks to find out who will play for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans in February.

This is gridiron on another level. Players leave everything out there on the field and coaches delve deep into their playbooks to find that one extra play that could make all the difference.

For the first time in 12 years, every play-off side won 10 or more games this season so the quality is there – and when it comes down to ‘win or go home’ that usually results in some epic contests.

So here we will have a look at the teams, the play-off mechanics and the big talking points that will decide who will run out at Super Bowl 59.