some opponents were cut in 1976 and 1977 to allow for games against the Seahawks and Buccaneers. This format remains in effect, though it has been slightly modified over the years, most recently with the addition of two more divisions in 2002. The interconference matchups for 1978 were as follows: AFC East vs. NFC East AFC Central vs. NFC West AFC West vs. NFC Central Division races Starting in 1978, and continuing through 1989 (except 1982), ten teams qualified for the playoffs: the winners of each of the divisions, and two wild-card teams in each conference. The two wild cards would meet for the right to face whichever of the three division winners had the best overall record (or, if the winner of the wild-card playoff was from the same division as that team, the division winner with the second best overall record). The tiebreaker rules were based on head-to-head competition, followed by division records, common opponents' records, and conference play. National Football Conference American Football Conference Final standings Tiebreakers New England finished ahead of Miami in the AFC East based on better division record (6–2 to Dolphins' 5–3). Buffalo finished ahead of Baltimore in the AFC East based on head-to-head sweep (2–0). Oakland, Seattle, and San Diego finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively, in the AFC West based on better record against common opponents (6–2 to Seahawks' 5–3 and Chargers' 4–4). Minnesota finished ahead of Green Bay in the NFC Central based on better head-to-head record (1–0–1). Los Angeles was top NFC seed over Dallas based on better head-to-head record (1–0). Detroit finished ahead of Chicago in the NFC Central based on better division record (4–4 to Bears' 3–5). Atlanta was the first NFC Wild Card based on better record against common opponents than Philadelphia (5–2 to Eagles' 5–3). St. Louis finished ahead of N.Y. Giants in the NFC East based on better division record (3–5 to Giants' 2–6). Playoffs Statistical leaders Team Individual Awards Coaching changes Offseason Buffalo Bills: Jim Ringo was fired. Chuck Knox then joined the Bills after leaving the Los Angeles Rams. Chicago Bears: Jack Pardee resigned to join the Washington Redskins. Neill Armstrong was named as the Bears' new head coach. Cleveland Browns: Sam Rutigliano was hired as the team's new head coach. Forrest Gregg was fired before the last game of the 1977 season. Defensive coordinator Dick Modzelewski served as interim during the