Rivera favors expanded playoffs

[Jump Zone]

Disagree with this completely. If you squeaked by with an 9-7 record in a crappy division, there is no way you should get to host a team that is better than you. I've been of the opinion for a while now that the wildcard round games should be hosted by the team with the better record.

I understand you position, but the 9-7 team could be from a strong division whose teams beat up on one another. At the beginning of the year, a team's goal is to win the division as it is the only way to be sure to make the playoffs. As such, personnel decisions are made with an eye on challenges division foes present (mobile QB, or strong passing game, or other strengths.) Either way, someone else will be making this decision...

[KendrickPanther]

Any coach not named Bill Bellichik loves the idea. Making the playoffs as the 7th seed might save your job.

[Captroop]

You are correct, however, that makes division championships meaningless and could cost the NFL money when fans stop caring at the end of the season. Look at college basketball. Conference tourneys mean nothing anymore unless that's you're only way to get in. I think the NFL does need to do something, but they have to be careful. Expansion might be the lesser of the evils.

 

There is still incentive to win the division! Winning the division is a ticket to the playoffs. Whether or not you host is irrelevant. You win the division, you get in. The host should be the better team.