Does NFL Need a New Playoff Format?

[SF Dolphin Fan]

It seems like every year there is a weak division where a team goes 8-7-1 or 9-7 and makes the playoff as divisional champions. Ultimately, a team with a better record ends up out of the playoffs. The AFC South is an example this year, while Carolina benefited from a weak division a few years back to sneak in.

I know there's no perfect system, but the playoffs format is definitely flawed. Any suggestions?

A while back I proposed sticking with the two conference format, but with no divisions. Essentially every team would play every team in the conference once for a total of 15 games. Each team would play one out of conference game a year. You could then take the top 5-6 teams based on record and tiebreakers to advance to the playoffs. The strength of schedule would be almost identical and the first tiebreaker could be head-to-head competition.

Going one step further, there could be a system where teams could cross-match in the playoffs possibly allowing two teams from the same conference making the super bowl. I know that may be too big of a change for a lot of people, but think what it could allow. I remember in the 1970's the best teams were almost always the two teams in the AFC Championship game. Same could be said for the NFC throughout most of the 1980's.

Opinions?

 

[Fins1971]

Even though we have been screwed the past decade by being in the same division as the Patriots I still like the current format.

 

[Daytona Fin]

I think it's fine the way it is. There will always probably be a stinker division, just not enough wins to go around.

 

[FSU Truth]

I have no issue with the teams winning their division getting in, but I do think they need to fix them getting an automatic home field playoff game. Never liked the idea that a team that finished 8-8 hosting a team that finishes 11-5.

 

[Phantom]

I think they should get rid of the divisions. If the concept is to play a season, and get the 12 best teams that season in the playoffs, it's not happening. I want to see the best teams in the playoffs.

 

[jessejames123]

Keep it way it is, but when a team is dominating the division for an entire decade, move that team to a diff division.

When NE wins the division championship 14 out of 16 YEARS... something should be done. Not trying to be a crybaby AFC East fan, but jeez.

Level the playing field. Give someone else a turn.

 

[nyjunc]

Even though we have been screwed the past decade by being in the same division as the Patriots I still like the current format.

once Brady retires we'll like this division a lot more.

---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:17 PM ----------

Keep it way it is, but when a team is dominating the division for an entire decade, move that team to a diff division.

When NE wins the division championship 14 out of 16 YEARS... something should be done. Not trying to be a crybaby AFC East fan, but jeez.

Level the playing field. Give someone else a turn.

we all have a chance to beat them, the Jets, Bills and Phins needed raise our level of play and we all failed.

 

[jessejames123]

I wouldnt be opposed to keeping this format, and labeling division champs, but playoffs should be 6 best records period.

You can be a divisional champ and not get into the playoffs. Oh well.

 

[nyjunc]

I do expect they will add another WC team in the coming years.

 

[jessejames123]

once Brady retires we'll like this division a lot more.

---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:17 PM ----------



we all have a chance to beat them, the Jets, Bills and Phins needed raise our level of play and we all failed.

No I understand that, and that is generally my stance.. but after 16 YEARS though?

 

[nyjunc]

No I understand that, and that is generally my stance.. but after 16 YEARS though?

I know, it sucks.

 

[67Stang]

I believe as mentioned above, an automatic home game should not be guaranteed and also a winning record should be required. An 8-8 team or worse should NOT be in the playoffs if there is someone else in the conference with a winning record.

 

[Fins1971]

If the NFL really wanted to add more playoff football and eliminate winning teams missing the playoffs they could make 8 teams qualify in each conference. I know some people don't like this because of the diluted playoff field. But currently the top 16 teams would all qualify for the playoff with winning record under that format. So there is some reasoning to this format.

All 8 division winners would get a bye the first week of playoffs. the 5-8 seed would play each other to see who advances in week 1 (4 games) . Winners of these games would get a bye the second week of playoffs. In the second week of playoffs the 1-4 seed would play each other to see who advances (4 games). In week 3 the winners of weeks 1 and 2 would play each other (4 games instead of current 2). Week 4 would be AFC/NFC Championship (2 games), Then the Super Bowl. (1 game)

Benefits of this change would be no huge advantage for any team in the playoffs except Home field. All teams would need to win 4 playoffs games to be crowned instead of some needing 3 and other needing 4. All teams get a bye at some point in playoffs. More excitement in those cities leading to the playoffs that are on the edge. And the big plus 2 extra playoff games.

 

[The Ghost]

The system is fine the way it is.

You are what your record says you are.

If you add a third wild card team then 1 team has a bye and 6 other's are playing that first weekend. That's too big of an advantage for a team that already has home field throughout.

Leave it the way it is and just play better. Even at 1-4 Miami controlled their own destiny.

 

[tazthenomad]

If the goal is to have the best teams in the playoffs then the current system is the best. There is no other way to protect a team in a tough division.

All this whining about which teams are the fifth or sixth best is the same as people wanting an NCAA basketball tournament expanded. If you aren't good enough to win your division you've lost the right to complain about not getting in the playoffs.

The goal is not to find the best sixth team!