Louie DiBiaseTwitter: @DiBiaseLOE
NFL owners and players are reportedly open to expanding the playoffs from 12 to 14 teams.
As CBA negotiations continue today, playoff expansion combined three preseason games is viewed as a possible solution. Much more in the story today from me and @TomPelissero: https://t.co/gHmEDwucOO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 19, 2019Multiple ideas to add games during the season and reduce the preseason have been passed around throughout the offseason. The Players' Association has been in opposition of the owner's proposal to expand the regular season to 18 games, with a 16-game player limit.
If a formal proposal does come for an expanded postseason, the plan could involve adding a seventh playoff team in each conference, adding an additional two playoff games.
One team in the AFC and NFC would receive a bye week, with the 2-7 seeds playing in the first round.
Most fans would agree that reducing the preseason is the right call. Do they believe adding onto the playoffs as a result is a smart idea?
Fans took to Twitter for Monday's late night discussion to give their two-cents:
Late night discussion: Do you like the NFL's proposed idea of 7 playoff teams per conference instead of 6?
— WGR 550 (@WGR550) August 20, 2019Time for a change?
A majority of participants in Monday's discussion like the sound of an expanded playoffs.
61% of voters are in favor of seven teams per-conference.
They've had the same number of playoff teams since before expansion. It only makes sense.
— TB (@Sabretooth94) August 20, 2019I'd rather watch more mediocre playoff games in January than unwatchable preseason games in August
— Bill Witzleben (@BillyWitzleben) August 20, 2019Others aren't too thrilled about the idea.
It's already a watered down product....I don't want 8-8; 7-9 teams making the playoffs....wake up people ...just money grab for owners....
— Jim Bukaty (@JimBukaty46) August 20, 2019Get rid of 1 or 2 preseason games, but add one regular season and then a second bye week
— Randall (@Randallj86) August 20, 2019Expand the playoffs even further?
The NFL's speculated plan of adding an extra playoff team for each conference isn't going far enough for some.
Make it 16 teams
— ricky ballz (@the_ricky_ballz) August 20, 2019No it should be 8 with the format below from the Australian Football League. 1 more week of playoffs, 4 more teams, 8 more games. Every team would play in the 1st week. Div champs play for a buy, loser goes on the road against a lower seed. I think it would be awesome pic.twitter.com/LsgeyQ6ufL
— --☀️⛈Phoenician Nick (@PhoenicianNick) August 20, 2019Now we are getting creative.
Author's take
Getting rid of a preseason game or two is long overdue. Adding two more playoff games is a much better idea than the 18-game proposal that would keep teams below full strength throughout the season.
Allowing "undeserving" teams, with a record below .500 to contend is a concern for some. The probability of a 7-9 team getting in is higher with two more spots. However, both conferences have consistently had teams with winning records missing the playoffs throughout the years.
In the last five seasons, no team below .500 would have made the playoffs in a 14-team format.
- 2014: Buffalo Bills (9-7) and Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
- 2015: New York Jets (10-6) and Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
- 2016: Tennessee Titans (9-7) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
- 2017: Baltimore Ravens (9-7) and Detroit Lions (9-7)
- 2018: Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6-1) and Minnesota Vikings (8-7-1)
The league is balanced enough to handle an extra team or two fighting for the Lombardi Trophy.
Of course, from a Bills perspective, it would also mean one extra spot to fight for.
To participate in our late night discussions, follow us on Twitter: @WGR550
