OT: Rumor floated around today that the NFL could expand to 16 teams for the upcoming playoffs
The possibility of this happening seems rather slim but there is some rationale... mainly that the NFL isn't replaying the Bills/Bengals game which effects first round home field scenarios.
The rumor suggests that one solution is to add an 8th AFC team. My understanding is that this would fix the home field situation for teams that would have had it for either outcome of the Bills/Bengals game. Further, so as there wouldn't be a competitive advantage, the NFC would also get an 8th team.
I'm sure most of us are aware that the Lions have a chance, albeit slim, to make the playoffs as the 7th seed. They need a Seattle loss, which on paper looks to be unlikely, and then a victory over Green Bay. If an 8th team were to be added, the Seattle game becomes meaningless, at least from the Lions' perspective.
This would also solve a lesser issue for the league, which is Seattle being scheduled to play LA before the Detroit/GB game. The concern is that if Seattle wins, there is less incentive for Detroit as they would be eliminated and GB takes the 7th spot over Seattle with a win over Detroit. Personally, I think the Lions will try to ruin it for GB no matter the situation, but it is a legitimate beef for Seattle.
Again, don't treat this as more than a rumor. The 1 seeds won't support it so it would be unlikely to see the NFLPA buy into it... but it is interesting to consider, especially for us Lions' fans.
There are several sites with varying levels of credibility discussing this. Here is an article posted on Yahoo.
https://sports.yahoo.com/could-nfl-expand-playoffs-bills-232000873.html
January 5th, 2023 at 10:57 PM ^
They announced tonight that this ain’t happening.
January 5th, 2023 at 11:09 PM ^
Not surprised. Where did you see/hear that it was officially denied? I searched everywhere and the only thing I saw was a statement from the NFLPA that it wasn't discussed.
January 6th, 2023 at 6:02 AM ^
I wish you would have waited to post this, what a buzzkill...
January 5th, 2023 at 11:04 PM ^
Is there anything more Lions than needing the Rams to beat the Seahawks for a shot at the playoffs? Other than the Rams winning and then getting smoked by GB?
January 5th, 2023 at 11:24 PM ^
So many Lions things here. We need the Rams to win to have a chance, but then our draft pick from them drops. If the Rams win, SOL lions would lose to GB, just to hurt us when we have hope. If Seattle wins, the lions probably throttle Green Bay, and then that hurts too. This is my wrecked psyche from being a lions fan for a long time.
what if Stafford comes back to play against Seattle and help the lions to the playoffs that way? A old lions fan can dream…
January 6th, 2023 at 6:03 AM ^
Based on what I've seen from her I don't think the wife is all in on that train of thought...
January 5th, 2023 at 11:44 PM ^
I hate that the last thing you said is the most true thing I’ve ever read
January 5th, 2023 at 11:12 PM ^
They already shot this down. They’ve announced what’s happening for the AFC playoff situation because of not replaying BUF/CIN. They also said they never considered the 16 game scenario at all. Was just rumors.
January 6th, 2023 at 10:24 AM ^
This is interesting. I wonder what the neutral site would be. Many options:
NFC options: Meadowlands New Jersey, Cowboys, Lambeau. Three biggest by capacity in NFL, New Jersey and Lambeau would keep the outdoor/cold weather nature of a home game for the team. Giants and Packers are not going to be hosting late playoff games, Cowboys might be hosting though.
Detroit/Indy: Midwest and centrally located but inside domes. NFL has used both on multiple occasions for rescheduled games and the combine.
KC/Buffalo/Cincy: each one has to stay ready to host anyway, so just give the neutral site game to the team that's left out.
LA/New Orleans/Miami: why have a January cold weather game when you don't have to? The media would appreciate temperatures above freezing. It would be a change to the competitive landscape of the game relative to the teams involved, but that's not necessarily a bad thing if it changes from a sloppy snowy game to a dry and warm environment.
Overall, I feel really bad for Buffalo. They already lost a home game this season due to the snow storm, and now they lose a player and teammate in Hamlin, and potentially lose the opportunity to host a playoff game. All just terrible circumstances, and doubly rough to impact a Super Bowl favorite.
January 5th, 2023 at 11:12 PM ^
The NFL's 12 team playoff was basically perfect. They should go back to that. 16 teams is half the entire league, way too big. If they want the money from playing those pointless games, make an also-ran tournament of the teams within a game of .500 that isn't the playoffs.
January 5th, 2023 at 11:45 PM ^
I know it likely won't happen, but the Lions keeping the Packers out of the playoffs would be such a great way to end the season.
January 6th, 2023 at 3:48 AM ^
Go Rams
January 6th, 2023 at 5:01 AM ^
So Jim would be coaching at least 4-6 of these teams I take it.
- sources
January 6th, 2023 at 8:17 AM ^
But only if he's GM/coach. Probably limits his options to 2-3 teams at once.
January 6th, 2023 at 7:21 AM ^
Another rumor floating around yesterday was making the #1 seed choose between keeping its bye and keeping home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
January 6th, 2023 at 7:35 AM ^
The Lions will identify the best scenario for themselves and find a way to create an epic failure.
January 6th, 2023 at 7:52 AM ^
Haven't you heard?
It's Brand New Lions now, not Same Old Lions.
January 6th, 2023 at 9:38 AM ^
It's "New Attitude" Lions.
January 6th, 2023 at 10:39 AM ^
How satisfying would it be to beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, in Lambeau, on Primetime, to ruin their season? Too satisfying. I want these rookie DE's to relentlessly smash him into the frozen tundra and make him contemplate retirement. Why continue to go on when the Lions have surpassed you Aaron?
January 6th, 2023 at 12:45 PM ^
I applaud the tenacity, and if Green Bay wasn't in the same division or people didn't have feelings about Aaron Rodgers, it wouldn't be as big a deal.
But while I'm absolutely rooting for Rams and Lions, I don't know if I care any more for Seattle than Green Bay. Seattle making playoffs shows more that Russell Wilson wasn't missed too badly, and if Green Bay made the playoffs, it shows an impressive underdog run of wins which is interesting.
Ultimately, go Rams/Lions!