NFL Atlanta FalconsCarolina Panthers

Eight Non-Playoff Teams Would Be In First Place In NFC South

NFC South

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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.

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