Does the NFL make a change if the NFCE is won at 6-10?

[pf9]

And, beginning in 2021, CBS should put 60 Minutes on the CW in the Eastern and Central Time Zones during NFL season so it can start right at 7 PM/ 6 CT in those time zones. The show would still be presented as if it were airing on CBS in those time zones (in the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones, it would still air on CBS proper). This allows CBS to start its remaining primetime shows on Sunday night on time.

This would be done in anticipation of the NFL possibly adopting the college OT rules (which they should), and if all late slot games (in either a single-header or double-header week) end before 8, CBS would go to a postgame show for the rest of the 7 PM hour, directing people in the Eastern and Central Time Zones to turn to the CW affiliate in their market if they want to watch 60 Minutes (which would be done while a late game is still in progress before the 7 PM hour),

[diamondbull424]

16 hours ago, Kip Smithers said:

What the difference between a 6-10 team and 7-9 team all in all? We’ve seen 7-9 teams win divisions in multiple occasions. Why do people wanna overreact to anomalies and rarities in a system that’s been in place for years? Even for me I’m all for change and not accepting the status quo but still no need to want change because of rarities. Unless im mistaken, this is the first time the NFC E would’ve been won with a record below .500

Agreed. These are anomalies. Changing things because of it would simply be foolish. NFL fans complain about tanking. Well, what do you think a division that has no shot at catching the wildcard teams would do with two games left to go? Would they continue to produce good quality games? Or more likely shut down a few key players so as to avoid injuries that could impact the following season?

Would full on tanking happen? Probably not, but if fans want to ensure the highest possible quality of games and the highest possible quality of division rivalries, things should stay as they are. It really isn’t broke. For as much as everyone makes fun of the NFCE’s terrible divisional record, I’d bet because of the nature of the current playoff race, fans are far more glued in to see who wins that division, than whether the Cardinals or Bears claim that final wildcard spot. The NFCE is terrible, but you still want to know who is the best of the worst vs just another JAG squad.

[Vladimir L]

no nfc east team prob have the largest tv market

[Kmart128]

I wouldnt want a change. I like the division aspect... it just sucks a 6-10 team can get a 4 seed while an 11-5 team couldnpossible not even make it in an expanded playoff.

[pf9]

I feel that if we remove seeding priority from division winners, it would entice teams to play more for seeding in their conference. I mean, teams leading their division would know that a division title is not enough to start the playoffs at home. And thus they would fight their way into one of the top four records in their conference, but still may come up short of starting the playoffs at home.

[pf9]

For instance the NFC East champion, without a top 4 seed guarantee, would be locked into the 7th seed in the conference. They would potentially have to open the playoffs in one of the three toughest environments - Lambeau Field, the Superdome, or Lumen Field. And to me, the NFC East champion opening their playoff run with a win would be more convincing if it was on the road (like when the Giants beat the Packers 9 seasons ago).

Also under this format, the Buccaneers and Rams would be fighting for the 4th seed in the NFC. Buccaneers would clinch a home playoff game with a win or a Rams loss. The Rams would need a win and a Buccaneers loss - the Rams hold the tiebreaker.

[hornbybrown]

I think if you don’t go 8-8 or better but win your division you shouldn’t host a playoff game. That should go to best record of non division winning team

[pf9]

For perspective:
Last instance of a first-round game between two division winners: 1977
Last instance of a first weekend of the playoffs having all playoff teams participating in a non-strike season: 1977
Last instance of a division winner starting the playoffs on the road: 1989
Last instance of a division winner not getting a home playoff game at any point: 1989
Last instance of a wild card team getting a home playoff game: 2001
Last instance of a first-round game being between two wild card teams: 2001

The NFL expanding the playoffs to 16 teams would mainly be done to eliminate the competitive advantage of a first-round bye. The NFL doesn't have to do so quite yet, but we'll see how many more teams with at least a .600 winning percentage (now requiring 11 wins) get left out over the next few years.

But removing seeding priority for division winners needs to happen next year. Had it been removed this year, Tom Brady's streak of starting the playoffs at home would be intact, as the Bucs would be the #4 seed in the NFC against #5 LA Rams.

Edited January 6, 2021 by pf9

[biggie.]

If you don't want to go on the road against a sub 500 team, then win your division.