http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/nfl...?urn=nfl,65500

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02022008...eup_615641.htm


Basically, the long and short of it is this....

The commissioner has proposed an idea that would allow Wild Card teams to host a playoff game if their record is better then a team who was a division winner. There is also the potential that playoff seedings overall could be switched to reflect records rather then division winners.

I actually support this idea 100% and here's why...

1.) Why should teams who play in tough divisions be penalized while teams who have cupcake divisions get the free pass?

2.) I'm tired of seeing some teams squeak into the playoffs while other teams have to play lights out all year to guarantee themselves a spot.

3.) It would make the end of the season games a LOT more meaningful, especially if two teams are tied and the difference is both a home game and the potential of having to be a #2 seed or a #6 seed...


For example, the NBA just recently changed their seeding order. Teams that win their division are guaranteed a playoff spot. However, the playoff seedings are based on actual records, rather then winning the division.

So a team that finishes say 8-8 wouldnt be getting a home game, but would be in the playoffs as a #5 or #6 seed...

MLB baseball does the exact same as well..


I can think of several reasons why this makes sense.....because some teams have an unfair advantage by playing at home, playing in a soft division, etc...

1.) 2007 NFC Playoffs - Giants finish 10-6, go on the road to the 9-7 Bucs to play a playoff game.....

2.) 2005 Playoffs - Jaguars finished 13-3, Patriots finished 12-4, but by virtue of playing in the AFC LEAST, the Patriots got a home game.


Honestly, I'm just tired of seeing teams get rewarded for playing in crappy divisions while some other teams have to play in a very tough division. The NFC North & South has been horrible for a few years, as has the AFC East.....yet the NFC East and the AFC South have been some of the toughest divisions over the last 5-6 years

What would be the point of having divisions at all then if not to gain some advantage in the playoffs by winning your division? You might as well argue that a division winner who wins in a weak division doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs. This year its possible that the Patriots for example could have gone 7-9and won the AFC East, since the other teams in that division were so bad, and been in the playoffs ahead of teams with better records.

Winning your division should account for something. Also in baseball and basketball, you play a series with games at both fields, not just one game against each opponent. So you have up to 3 or 4 chances to win away from home, assuming you win at home