NFL Considers Revising Playoff Format to Address Home-Field Advantage Concerns
Proposed changes could prioritize win percentages over division titles for home playoff games, following criticism of current system.
- The NFL is reportedly exploring adjustments to its playoff format during the upcoming offseason, including changes to how home-field advantage is determined.
- The current system grants home playoff games to division winners regardless of their overall records, which has led to criticism over perceived imbalances in fairness.
- One proposal under consideration would award home games to the top four teams in each conference based on win percentage, rather than division standings.
- The debate gained traction after the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings, who had the NFC's second-best record, were assigned a road game due to finishing second in their division.
- The NFL previously expanded its playoff field to 14 teams in 2020, adding a seventh seed and eliminating the second seed's first-round bye to increase postseason participation and revenue.