The argument that the NFL should switch the way teams make the playoffs will never be greater once Week 17 concludes on Sunday. The winner of the NFC South will host a home playoff game, and that winner will have a below-.500 record. To make matters worse, there are currently eight teams that would be in first place in the NFC South that are not expected to make the playoffs this season.
As of right now, the Carolina Panthers hold first place in the division with a dismal 6-8-1 record. The Atlanta Falcons are a close second at 6-9 thanks to their impressive win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Whichever team emerges victorious will win the division and host the No. 5 seed in the NFC during the Wild Card round.
The eight non-playoff teams that would win the NFC South if they played in the division are the Baltimore Ravens (9-6), Philadelphia Eagles (9-6), Houston Texans (8-7), Kansas City Chiefs (8-7), Miami Dolphins (8-7), Buffalo Bills (8-7), Cleveland Browns (7-8) and San Francisco 49ers (7-8).
Including the eight non-postseason teams and all the potential playoff teams, there are 19 teams total that would win the NFC South if the season ended today. Yet, four of the teams with a better record and will share in the postseason excitement will be forced to play on the road.
Personally, I am good with how the playoff system works. I would not want the league to change anything, despite the evidence the NFC South has presented this season. The winner of a division deserves to host at least one playoff game at home, regardless of their record. Although, I will admit that it is rather depressing a team with a below-.500 record will get to play on their home turf.
Still, the NFC South has certainly given the haters of the current system some ammo in the offseason to force the NFL into looking into changing the way teams are seeded in the playoffs going forward.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
With the 2015 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Seattle Seahawks have some needs that need to be filled. Read More
Three assistant coaches were let go by the New Orleans Saints on Friday. Is defensive coordinator Rob Ryan next? Read More
Do the off-field embarrassments ever stop coming for Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel? Read More
What are the most important things the Chicago Bears must improve upon in the offseason? Take a look. Read More
This is the year that Tony Romo finally exorcises his playoff demons and proves to all of his doubters that he can deliver in the big games. Read More
With two of the first 19 picks in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Browns are in great position to improve on a 7-9 season. Here's a look at the direction the team may take. Read More
With tensions high in the Eagles' front office, a shocking decision might just become more realistic. Read More
If the Dallas Cowboys are to walk away from Sunday's matchup vs. the Detroit Lions with a win, their offensive line must rise to the occasion. Read More
The New England Patriots are in "Super Bowl or bust" mode heading into the playoffs. When the season ends, there will be several question marks. Here are the five biggest rumors heading into 2015. Read More
The Philadelphia Eagles looked good in the first half of the season. But things fell apart and the Eagles missed the playoffs. Here are the five things the team must improve on for 2015. Read More
Now that we know the College Football Playoff championship matchup, it's time to evaluate the rosters. Here's a look at the 15 players who could be selected in the 2015 NFL Draft. Read More
The Patriots' postseason doesn't start for another week, giving them time to fix some pressing issues. Here are the five biggest questions for Patriots heading into the playoffs. Read More