What do these football terms mean?

[DrGuile]

Originally Posted by pushpills

so "playoff berth" is like a wildcard thing?

berth Pronunciation Key (bûrth)
n.

1. Sufficient space for a ship to maneuver; sea room: kept a clear berth of the reefs.
2. A space for a ship to dock or anchor: a steamship moored to its berth at the pier.
3.
1. Employment on a ship: sought an officer's berth in the merchant marine.
2. A job: a comfortable berth as head of the department.
4.
1. A built-in bed or bunk, as on a ship or a train.
2. A place to sleep or stay; accommodations: found a berth in a nearby hotel.
5. A space where a vehicle can be parked, as for loading.