Only top-six Division 1 teams guaranteed Sam Maguire places on league rankings 

Not until the provincial finalists are known will teams outside Division 1’s top six who are relying on their league position to compete in the Sam Maguire Cup know if they are through to the round-robin phase.

LEAGUE IMPORTANCE:  Richard Donnelly of Tyrone in action against Matthew Ruane of Mayo during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Tyrone and Mayo at O'Neill's Healy Park. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Only the six best-placed Division 1 teams at the conclusion of the Allianz Football League round-robin stages on March 26 will be guaranteed Sam Maguire Cup places based on their league rankings.

Although it is all but certain the two teams who are promoted from Division 2 will also secure spots in the 16-team round-robin stages and other Division 2 teams including the two counties relegated from Division 1 this year will join them, it is possible that those outside the top six could miss out.