The relegated teams were replaced by 2016–17 1st Division champions Hobro IK (returned after one year of absence) and 3rd-place finisher FC Helsingør (returned to the top division for the first time since the 1936–37 season), who defeated Viborg FF in the two legged play-off finals.

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules.

Points and goals will carry over in full from the regular season.

As teams did not all start with an equal number of points, the initial pre-playoffs positions are also given.

The winning team from the 4-team knock-out tournament advanced to a Europa League play-off match.