Another Seeding Alternative for the NFL

[MrMacphisto]

A short while ago, I posted a rather dramatic return to a 3 division structure for each conference. Because of the major changes involved, the likelihood of this actually happening are low.

However, here is a much less dramatic idea that may actually gain some traction in the wake of Seattle's bizarre entry into the playoffs...

The top 3 division winners automatically qualify for the playoffs just the same as they do in the current system, but the division winner with the worst record per conference has to compete for a spot with other teams that have winning records.

Using this season as an example, the AFC playoff picture would include the same teams as the current system.

However, the NFC playoffs would be a bit different.

The top 3 division winners in the NFC were the Falcons (13-3), the Bears (11-5), and the Eagles (10-6). They would receive their spots as normal. The Seahawks (7-9) would be left to compete with the Saints (11-5), the Buccaneers (10-6), the Packers (10-6), and the Giants (10-6).

The Saints would get the 4th seed, and the Packers would get the 5th.

The last seed would instead go to the Giants. This would make the division winners still important, but it would also more appropriately stress the importance of having a winning record.

What do you think?

 

[FeatherMAN28]

I like it, but Im a bit confused...maybe cuz im half awake right now...but if the pack, bucs and giants are all 10-6 why do the pack automatically get the the 5th seed?

 

[MrMacphisto]

Because I prefer the Packers. 🙂

No seriously, I'm assuming that the tiebreaking criteria would remain the same. The Packers got one of the wildcard spots because they had the best division record among the 10-win teams. That would still apply under this system I'm proposing.

 

[Deuce]

A short while ago, I posted a rather dramatic return to a 3 division structure for each conference. Because of the major changes involved, the likelihood of this actually happening are low.

However, here is a much less dramatic idea that may actually gain some traction in the wake of Seattle's bizarre entry into the playoffs...

The top 3 division winners automatically qualify for the playoffs just the same as they do in the current system, but the division winner with the worst record per conference has to compete for a spot with other teams that have winning records.

Using this season as an example, the AFC playoff picture would include the same teams as the current system.

However, the NFC playoffs would be a bit different.

The top 3 division winners in the NFC were the Falcons (13-3), the Bears (11-5), and the Eagles (10-6). They would receive their spots as normal. The Seahawks (7-9) would be left to compete with the Saints (11-5), the Buccaneers (10-6), the Packers (10-6), and the Giants (10-6).

The Saints would get the 4th seed, and the Packers would get the 5th.

The last seed would instead go to the Giants. This would make the division winners still important, but it would also more appropriately stress the importance of having a winning record.

What do you think?

I mentioned that 3 weeks ago your seeded by your record so 1 plays 6 and 2 plays 5 and so on with higher seed having home field, this way a Div winner gets in but not a home game if some wildcard has better record.

 

[maniactickler]

I mentioned that 3 weeks ago your seeded by your record so 1 plays 6 and 2 plays 5 and so on with higher seed having home field, this way a Div winner gets in but not a home game if some wildcard has better record.

Division winner always gets home field over a wildcard, regardless of record. at least for the first game.

 

[Deuce]

Division winner always gets home field over a wildcard, regardless of record. at least for the first game.

No shit but I'm saying this way a 7 - 9 team doesnt get a home game over a team with better record. This way your rewarded for playing good and not rewarded cause you get to play 6 sub 500 teams and just happened to win your division by default.

 

[Dave Pavet]

It's fine the way it is!

 

[gluestick]

your suggestion might be good for this year but maybe not as a permanent change. There might not always be an anomaly like the NFC West to justify it every year.
I liked Bill Cowher's suggestion- increase the playoff pool by 4 teams per conference and base entry solely on win/loss regardless if a team wins its division

 

[Deuce]

your suggestion might be good for this year but maybe not as a permanent change. There might not always be an anomaly like the NFC West to justify it every year.
I liked Bill Cowher's suggestion- increase the playoff pool by 4 teams per conference and base entry solely on win/loss regardless if a team wins its division

Yeah then that can be like the NHL and NBA were if your still playing at the end of the season you go to the playoffs