The NFL is considering a major change to its playoff seeding system for the AFC and NFC. This, along with several other bylaw, rule, and resolution proposals, will be discussed at the Annual League Meeting, taking place Sunday through Wednesday in Palm Beach, Florida.
Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell is set to address the media Tuesday morning for the first time since the opening of free agency on March 12. His team, which finished 14-3 in 2024—setting a record for most wins by a Wild Card team—would have been directly affected by Detroit’s proposed playoff seeding change. The Lions, who finished 15-2 and won the NFC North, secured the conference’s No. 1 seed by defeating Minnesota in Week 18.
Under the current system, division winners are automatically seeded higher than any Wild Card teams, even if a Wild Card team has a better record. As a result, the Vikings fell to the No. 5 seed despite their strong season.
Proposed Playoff Seeding Change
Detroit has suggested modifying the playoff seeding system so that the seven teams with the best records in each conference are seeded strictly based on record, rather than giving automatic preference to division winners. The No. 1 seed would still receive a first-round bye, while the No. 2 seed would face No. 7, No. 3 would play No. 6, and No. 4 would host No. 5.
For example, under this proposal, instead of the previous Wild Card Weekend matchups, the new seeding would have resulted in:
- No. 7 Los Angeles at No. 2 Philadelphia
- No. 6 Tampa Bay at No. 3 Minnesota
- No. 5 Green Bay at No. 4 Washington
While this change would reduce the emphasis on winning a division, it would reward teams with better overall records. Tiebreakers would still prioritize division winners over non-division teams with the same record.
Detroit’s reasoning for the change is “competitive equity,” arguing it would enhance late-season excitement and reward teams that performed best over the regular season.
Other Proposed Changes
Roster Management:
Detroit also suggested modifying the 90-player roster limit to exclude players placed on Injured Reserve before the final roster cutdown unless they are designated for return. This would help teams better manage rosters in cases of high injury numbers late in the season.
Defensive Penalties:
The Lions also proposed eliminating automatic first downs for defensive holding and illegal contact, which currently result in a 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down. Instead, the penalty would only be 5 yards. Critics note that Detroit committed the most of these penalties last season, meaning this change could benefit them disproportionately.
“Tush Push” Restrictions:
Green Bay has proposed adding rules to further restrict pushing a runner at the snap, particularly targeting the “Tush Push” play popularized by the Eagles.
Overtime Rule Changes:
Philadelphia has proposed aligning regular-season and postseason overtime rules, ensuring both teams get a possession regardless of what happens on the first drive.
Additional Resolutions
Other proposals include allowing early video calls with free agents, changes to kicking ball preparation, expanding scouting credentials for playoff teams, and potential adjustments to instant replay and kickoff rules.
The NFL’s Competition Committee will also present its own proposals, including making the 2024 kickoff rule permanent while adjusting the touchback spot to the 35-yard line.