Per a report from CBS, the NFL is considering changing its playoff format after the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings went toe-to-toe during the regular season.
This year, the Minnesota Vikings made history in the wrong way, becoming the first ever 14-win team to lose their division and have to go on the road in the first round of the playoffs. While they have no one to blame but themselves—they lost to the division-winning Detroit Lions twice—the NFL is reportedly considering changing the playoff format going forward that would benefit a team like the 2024 Vikings.
Under current rules, only divisional winners automatically get to host their first playoff game, even if their record is worse than the team they’re playing. For example, the Los Angeles Rams won their division at 10-7 this year and will host* the Vikings, despite Minnesota having a much better record (14-3). In fact, three teams home teams in the Wild Card round (Texans, Rams, Buccaneers) actually have worse records than their opponents (Chargers, Vikings, Commanders).
Per CBS Sports’ NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the NFL is looking into changing this format.
“The NFL will take another look this offseason at potentially changing the playoff format,” Jones said on CBS’ pregame show on Saturday. “Maybe, the top four teams in win percentage get a home game instead of division winners.”
“The NFL will take another look this offseason at potentially changing the playoff format.” – @jjones9 pic.twitter.com/wpbam29Y5m
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) January 11, 2025
This was a hot topic before the Lions’ season finale vs. the Vikings, because whatever the outcome was, a 14-win team was going on the road for the playoffs. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown told the media before the game that he thinks the current format is bad.
“It’s crazy. I think the rule should be changed,” St. Brown said. “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, but I guess I don’t make the rules.”
While the NFL will reportedly have talks, don’t be too optimistic about any changes being made. Jones finishes his report doubtful that changes will be made.
“Team owners haven’t shown much of an appetite for changing, though,” Jones said.
If a change were to be made, it would like be proposed, discussed, and potentially adopted during league owners meetings. The first of those offseason meetings are scheduled for March 30 to April 2.
*The game has been moved from Los Angeles to Arizona due to wildfires
