This week, NFL analyst Howie Long talked about the unusual playoff picture on Fox’s pre-game show. Long explained how the NFC West has stirred up some controversy. Currently, the St. Louis Rams lead the division at a record of 6-6, a low percentage for a leading team. The Seattle Seahawks at 6-6 and the San Francisco 49ers at 4-8 are also in contention to win the NFC West.
6 teams in each conference (AFC and NFC) are eligible to go to the playoffs. This includes four division winners and two wild card teams from each side. With the NFC West being the weakest division in football, a 7-9 team has the potential to top the division as well as gain home field advantage for their first round game. Many believe that it is unfair for an under .500 team to make it into the playoffs, beating out wildcard teams with significantly better records. This issue has been made aware to top NFL officials.
The big question is whether or not commissioner Roger Goodell should allow this to happen. The NFL cannot change their rules mid-season, but it’s something the league has discussed. The discussion consists of below .500 teams being awarded home field advantage, or a playoff spot in general. Long believes that these teams should be allowed a playoff birth, but the home team should be the one with a stronger season standing. The NFL is taking all of this into consideration and will continue to discuss this in the off-season.
This year, we could see a 7-9 Rams or Seahawks beating out teams for a playoff spot such as the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, whom both have 8-4 records. The thought of this does not sit well with a number of NFL fans. The next few weeks will determine if this could be reality. Right now, 22 teams are in the hunt. The rest of the season should an intriguing one.
-E-steam
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