NFL plans to explore new changes to playoff format

NFL plans to explore new changes to playoff format

The NFL might follow in the steps of college football and shake up its own postseason format come next season.

According to a CBS Sports report on Saturday, the NFL is again looking into changing its playoff configuration this upcoming offseason.

The league is apparently exploring the structure of home field advantage in the postseason, giving the top four teams home games based on winning percentage.

Detail view of NFL Wild Card logo painted on field before a playoff game between Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills
The NFL is looking to change their playoff format this offseason. AP

Currently, the NFL automatically grants home games to each division winner, regardless of team records.

These talks come after the 14-3 Vikings play their first postseason matchup on the road, despite having the second-best record in the NFC.

The Vikings finished one game behind the 15-2 Lions, who claimed victory in the NFC North after a win against Minnesota in Week 18.

Rather than receiving a top seed and a first-round bye like the Lions, the Vikings are set to play in Arizona against the Rams on Monday night.

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown proposed a change in the format ahead of their division-clinching victory.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaking at a Sony news conference during the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
The NFL recently expanded their postseason before the 2020 season. AFP via Getty Images

“Obviously, if you win the division, you should obviously make a playoff spot, but having a 14-win team having to go on the road is kind of crazy,” he said. “But I guess I don’t make the rules.”

The game was originally scheduled to be played in Los Angeles, but was moved because of the ongoing wildfires.

A playoff format change would not be new to the NFL, as the league expanded their postseason from 12 to 14 teams ahead of the 2020 season.

The expansion made it so that just one team in each conference received a first-round bye, when previously it was two.

The change also introduced six wild-card round games, opposed to four before.

Related Posts

‘Taylor Swift is okay with that?’: Travis Kelce’s VERY hairy back leaves fans split after sweaty Miami workout

‘Taylor Swift is okay with that?’: Travis Kelce’s VERY hairy back leaves fans split after sweaty Miami workout

Viral pH๏τos of a sweaty Travis Kelce and his extremely hairy back have left the internet split… with many sparing a thought for his girlfriend Taylor Swift….

Steelers star addresses Aaron Rodgers’ long-winded saga and whether it’s become a ‘distraction’

Steelers star addresses Aaron Rodgers’ long-winded saga and whether it’s become a ‘distraction’

Pittsburgh Steelers star Alex Highsmith has addressed the long-winded saga of the team’s pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, as the quarterback remains unsigned with the season three months…

Shedeur Sanders lifts the lid on brutal quarterback battle in Cleveland… as four big names fight for starting spot

Shedeur Sanders lifts the lid on brutal quarterback battle in Cleveland… as four big names fight for starting spot

New Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has revealed ‘everybody is cool’ in the team’s quarterback room and there’s no drama between those hoping to be the team’s…

NFL star shocked Taylor Swift is fine with Travis Kelce issue

NFL star shocked Taylor Swift is fine with Travis Kelce issue

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has taken a jab at Travis Kelce, saying he is shocked Taylor Swift is fine with how much back hair her boyfriend…

EXCLUSIVETom Brady, 47, set to COME OUT of retirement! Wild plan to return as quarterback revealed

EXCLUSIVETom Brady, 47, set to COME OUT of retirement! Wild plan to return as quarterback revealed

47-year-old Tom Brady has been retired from football ‘for good’ for over two years, but the legendary quarterback is now plotting a stunning comeback. On Wednesday, NFL owners…

Pat McAfee pays heartbreaking tribute to Jim Irsay after Colts owner’s death

Pat McAfee pays heartbreaking tribute to Jim Irsay after Colts owner’s death

Pat McAfee has paid a heartbreaking tribute to Jim Irsay after the Colts owner’s sudden death at 65.  McAfee, now the host of his eponymous show for…