PHX Reporter

The NFL is considering potential changes to its playoff seeding system. Among the proposals to be discussed at the upcoming owners' meetings is one from the Detroit Lions, suggesting that the seven playoff teams should be seeded based on their overall records, regardless of division standings. Currently, winning a division guarantees a team at least one home game in the playoffs.

This proposal could render divisions less significant since there have been instances where teams with losing records won their divisions and hosted playoff games. Notable examples include the 2010 Seattle Seahawks and the 2014 Carolina Panthers, both of whom advanced despite sub-.500 regular season records.

The Arizona Cardinals have had mixed experiences with this system. In 2014, they lost to the Panthers in a game they might have hosted under the proposed rules. Conversely, in 2008, they benefited from hosting a playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons after winning their division.

If this rule had been in place last year, it would have altered some matchups in the NFC playoffs. The current system saw teams like the Rams hosting games due to divisional wins, but under the new proposal, seeding would have shifted significantly. The Vikings would have faced off against the Buccaneers instead of playing against the Rams.

As these discussions unfold, it's uncertain which proposals will advance to a vote or be implemented.