There are a number of topics on the docket at the NFL owners meetings this week in Palm Beach, including potential rule changes. The Detroit Lions submitted one proposal that would completely change the way playoff seeding works.
Currently, the top four seeds in each conference go to the four division winners. Then, there are three wild-card teams that make the playoffs despite not winning their divisions. Under the Lions’ proposal, playoff seeding would be strictly based on record, eliminating home-field advantage for division winners.
For example, the Vikings would’ve gotten a home game last season thanks to their 14-3 record, making them a top-four seed rather than a wild-card team as the No. 5 seed. This change also would’ve caused the Rams to play a road game instead of getting a home game as the NFC West champions.
Sean McVay was asked by Mike Florio on Monday about this possible change and he’s against it. His explanation makes a lot of sense, too.
“I’m hopeful that doesn’t go through, and here’s why,” he said. “I would be all for it if we played all 15 NFC teams and then two cross-conference games. But when you’re playing six divisional games, then you’ve got the strength of schedule based on whatever previous year’s record was, it’s not all the same. So I do think there is something to be said for winning your division. That means something. And until there’s an adjustment in regards to like-schedules, things of that nature, that’s going to be tough.”
The way the regular-season schedule is constructed right now, each team plays their divisional opponents twice, as well as all four teams from two other divisions. They also play two other teams with the same finishing position in their respective divisions. So in the Rams’ case in 2025, they’ll play the NFC West, NFC South and AFC South, as well as the first-place Lions in the NFC North and first-place Ravens from the AFC North.
McVay’s argument is that because every team’s schedule varies based on their previous year’s record, no two teams have the same set of opponents. And with six games against division rivals, that emphasizes the importance of winning your own division.
It’s hard to see this rule passing but it will be voted on by owners Tuesday to decide whether the change will be made.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL rule changes: Sean McVay is against playoff seeding proposal
