Detroit Lions Propose Playoff Seeding By Record, Not Division Winners
- Dan Lalonde
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
The Detroit Lions are making waves in the NFL offseason with a bold proposal to reshape the league’s playoff seeding system. According to a list of potential rule changes released Wednesday, the Lions suggest that teams should be ranked primarily by regular-season record rather than by division championships.
How the New Seeding System Would Work
Under the proposal, the division winner with the best record in the conference would still secure the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. However, after that, teams would be seeded strictly by record, regardless of whether they won their division or entered the playoffs as a wild card.
This change could have had a major impact last season. In the NFC North, the Lions (15-2) earned the No. 1 seed, but the Minnesota Vikings (14-3) were only the No. 5 seed, and the Green Bay Packers (11-6) were No. 7. Under the proposed system, the Vikings would have been the No. 3 seed, and the Packers would have moved up to No. 5.
A Similar Proposal Fell Flat in 2023
The Los Angeles Chargers proposed a comparable change in 2023, but it failed to gain traction. Any NFL team can submit a rule change proposal, but it takes at least 24 votes from team owners to pass. Historically, proposals backed by the competition committee have had a higher chance of approval than those from individual teams.
Other Proposed NFL Rule Changes
Several other notable rule changes are up for discussion at the upcoming owners’ meetings, scheduled for March 30-April 2 in West Palm Beach, Florida. These include:
The Packers' proposal to ban the “tush push” – a short-yardage play made famous by the Eagles, which allows players to push a ball carrier forward.
The Lions’ push to eliminate the automatic first down on defensive holding or illegal contact penalties.
The Eagles’ proposal to ensure both teams get a possession in regular-season overtime, aligning with playoff rules.
A Steelers-backed resolution allowing limited contact between free agents and teams during the negotiation window.
A request from multiple teams to prepare K-balls for kickers before game day.
With the competition committee and owners set to review these changes, the Lions' push for a more record-based playoff structure could spark significant debate about the fairness of the current system.
What’s Next?
NFL owners will vote on the proposals at their annual meeting, and if passed, the new seeding format could be implemented as early as the 2025 season. Whether this shift gains support remains to be seen, but it highlights a growing desire among teams to reward overall performance rather than just division standings.
Source: ESPN
Photo Credit: NFL
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