We will likely debate the NFL seeding process ad infinitum, and re-debate it when the formula inevitably changes again…
One indisputable fact is that was one helluva game last night…and Dan Campbell has been the cultural architect of one helluva metamorphosis in The Motor City…can’t wait for the playoffs to begin!!
Lions fan here. Yesterday I felt pretty strongly that the NFL should adjust the seeding approach. I find your argument compelling, especially due to the (potentially broad) schedule variance.
I wonder if there could be a hybrid approach, e.g., if you’re a wild card that wins 4+ more games than a division winner you jump them in the seed order. I just checked and that approach would make the Vikings the 3 seed. I think the teams would have wanted last night’s game just as much due to the bye being on the line.
Sam, interesting idea. A couple of years ago, the Bucs (with Tom Brady) won their division at 8-9 and got to host Dallas in the Wild Card. The Cowboys had gone 12-5, but Philly went 14-3 to win their division. In that case, the home field didn't matter much -- Dallas beat Tampa 31-14 and moved on.
Good example, Mark, thanks for calling that out. We could play out the fun hypothetical of “if the Cowboys had stayed home to host (and defeat) the Bucs might they have played better the following week and beaten the 49ers? They lost 19-12 at San Fran. Fun to consider the possibility anyhow. Thanks for engaging the idea!
We will likely debate the NFL seeding process ad infinitum, and re-debate it when the formula inevitably changes again…
One indisputable fact is that was one helluva game last night…and Dan Campbell has been the cultural architect of one helluva metamorphosis in The Motor City…can’t wait for the playoffs to begin!!
Lions fan here. Yesterday I felt pretty strongly that the NFL should adjust the seeding approach. I find your argument compelling, especially due to the (potentially broad) schedule variance.
I wonder if there could be a hybrid approach, e.g., if you’re a wild card that wins 4+ more games than a division winner you jump them in the seed order. I just checked and that approach would make the Vikings the 3 seed. I think the teams would have wanted last night’s game just as much due to the bye being on the line.
Sam, interesting idea. A couple of years ago, the Bucs (with Tom Brady) won their division at 8-9 and got to host Dallas in the Wild Card. The Cowboys had gone 12-5, but Philly went 14-3 to win their division. In that case, the home field didn't matter much -- Dallas beat Tampa 31-14 and moved on.
Good example, Mark, thanks for calling that out. We could play out the fun hypothetical of “if the Cowboys had stayed home to host (and defeat) the Bucs might they have played better the following week and beaten the 49ers? They lost 19-12 at San Fran. Fun to consider the possibility anyhow. Thanks for engaging the idea!