Division rivalries in the National Football League have long characterized both its playoff landscape and lasting legacies, such as Bears-Packers or Cowboys-Eagles clashes spanning generations. Recently however, proposals regarding dissolving divisions entirely has reemerged as one possible route towards disruption–something suggested even by Commissioner Roger Goodell himself.
Detroit Lions players could benefit from this change; facing playoff-bound Packers and Vikings twice last season provided them with two opportunities against these powerhouses–both making playoff berths–in 2024 alone, it would offer them more equitable chances at higher playoff seeding. Critics contend it undermines tradition; former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick warned directly against changing division structures to preserve fan-celebrated rivalries as part of his advice to Goodell.
Riddick’s stance, shared during a segment on ESPN’s NFL Live, emphasizes the importance of these historic rivalries to the sport’s competitive spirit and fan engagement. He advocates for rewarding teams with superior records, though he recognizes the challenge of balancing this with the preservation of traditional divisional play.
The debate over altering playoff seeding to resemble that of the NBA, favoring regular-season records over division rankings, has sparked significant discourse. For instance, in 2024, to claim the top seed, the Lions had to overcome the Vikings in a season finale, with both teams boasting impressive 14-2 records.
Discussion on Revising the Playoff Seeding System
The proposition of revising playoff seeding based on regular-season performance rather than divisional standings is set to be considered by NFL owners. This change requires the approval of at least 24 of the 32 team owners. The AFC scenario under the current system showed the Houston Texans securing a top-4 finish with a 10-7 record by leading their division, contrasted with the LA Chargers’ 11-6 record yielding only a 5th seed due to divisional rankings. Such instances highlight the crux of the argument for reform.
NFC competition also displays discrepancies that illustrate how top performing teams may be adversely affected by existing structures, prompting widespread discussion as to whether legacy and intensity of divisional rivalries must give way for a fairer seeding system and, potentially, this debate’s outcome could change both paths to playoffs as well as overall fabric of NFL competition.
As discussions progress, football community remains in anticipation, wondering whether such historic changes might alter the essence of their beloved game. League decision making processes will ultimately determine the direction that NFL playoffs take as tradition or innovation determine their progression over time.