2 Conferences

[Chucktownsteeler]

What's everyone's thoughts on just (2) conferences only (NFC - AFC) and the top 7 teams make the play-offs. Home team advantage is based on W-L first, then the regular progression of tie breakers.

Although TB was division champs, there record was 8-9. A very weak record at that. Dallas was WC and their record was 12-5. I think at least (1) team with a better record than TB sat home. TB was home last night, Dallas on the road.

Would it be a fairer seeding system with just 2 conferences, top 7 teams each conference are in.

[crushedspirit]

I don't like having 44% of teams in the playoffs just for starters. It kind of dilutes the product, and takes away much of the difficulty for reaching the playoffs.

I think divisions can be left as is, and winning your divisions can ensure a playoff spot, but the seeding should be by record per conference.

[Chucktownsteeler]

I don't like having 44% of teams in the playoffs just for starters. It kind of dilutes the product, and takes away much of the difficulty for reaching the playoffs.

I think divisions can be left as is, and winning your divisions can ensure a playoff spot, but the seeding should be by record per conference.

So a wildcard team with a better record than a division winner should have home field? I think that’s what you are saying.

[crushedspirit]

So a wildcard team with a better record than a division winner should have home field? I think that’s what you are saying.

Yes, I think the division winner reward should be capped at just a playoff spot, and no home game if their wildcard opponent has a better record. TB had no business hosting the Cowboys, and it showed.

[WindyCitySteel]

Personally, I'd like to see them contract 4-6 teams, talent is spread too thin, no depth for anyone. Unfortunately we're probably headed in the opposite direction.

[whatever]

I think 2 divisions would be great. Play everyone in yours and do 2 cross overs. Playing in a historically weak division can give a team 5 wins from the get go.
Reduce the playoffs to 5 teams each division.
The product is so watered down now.
Playing different teams would add some excitement.
With the players and league being so soft now, there aren’t any real rivalries anymore.

[Starlifter]

I don't like the extra team making it in - i prefer the old format with top 2 getting bye weeks and I prefer the 8 divisions within the 2 conferences. I like the rivalries it produces, the inter-conference games are usually very closely played and exciting - and another benefit is each division tends to favor a particular style of play. AFC north is typified by run/ball control with punishing defense. West coast teams favor a more wide open offense...etc. I recognize some divisions have historically weak members - but the NFC east has been a joke for some time, yet this year 3 out of 4 teams are in the divisional round. it's gonna be some really good games this weekend as a result I think.

I prefer making changes only if it improves the product. I think adding the 7th seed diluted the product and I think going away from divisional play to conference only play would do the same.

Just my 2 cents.

[NJ-STEELER]

They should go back to 6 teams per conference make the playoffs

[NorthCoast]

Last season 4 of 6 games on superwild card weekend were blowouts. Not exciting football. But every divisional game was a nailbiter. The talent evened out quickly.

Fast forward this season only 2 of 6 games on wildcard weekend ended with more than a possession difference. So it wasn't like it was a bunch of haves and have nots playing. And a few of the games were shocking in their turnabouts. Exciting football!

[Joel Buchsbaum]

I don't like having 44% of teams in the playoffs just for starters. It kind of dilutes the product, and takes away much of the difficulty for reaching the playoffs.

I think divisions can be left as is, and winning your divisions can ensure a playoff spot, but the seeding should be by record per conference.

The nfl should put in a rule that says no losing team makes the playoff, even if they win the division. That conference goes to six teams making the playoffs if it happens.

[flippy]

Why not just arbitrarily rank teams like college ball?

Everyone then goes to a bowl game at the end of the year even if they’re hot garbage.

We could go play Green Bay in the Mrs T Pierogi Bowl and call it a season.

Then you have some voting and we land where we land in the standings.

Would be tricky picking the top 4 teams for the playoff. KC, SF, Philly, Buffalo, Cincy, Dallas, etc?

The complaints would go insane.

[flippy]

Or how about the 4 division winners make the playoffs and no one gets a bye and there’s no week off before the SuperBowl.

[whatever]

Mandatory 10 win season to make the playoffs.

[Rocky Mtn]

How about no Super Bowl or playoffs and each team gets a participation trophy.