As currently constructed, saidrules will ensure a team with a losing record hosts a playoff gamethis season. So, too, might a divisional "champion" merely one game above .500. Meanwhile, clubs with a dozen wins might be sent packing on the wild-card road, their relative sin thriving in a subset of similarly elite competitors.
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It shouldn't be this way.
If you watched Saturday afternoon's literally waterlogged slog between theTampa Bay BuccaneersandCarolina Panthers–the Bucs won, sort of, 16-14– then you probably didn't feel like you were witnessing some juggernauts deserving of the comforts of sleeping in their own beds next week ahead of a postseason opener merely because an 8-9 record is sufficient to win the lowly ACC, er, NFC South. (OK, maybe weshouldfind a way toget the Atlanta FalconsorNew Orleans Saints, NFC South also-rans who are presently playing much better football than thePanthersorBucs, an at-large bid? Sorry, I digress.)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) celebrates intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) reacts in the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hands off the ball to running back Rico Dowdle (5) in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs against Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (26) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers former player Mike Alstott (40) cheers in the first half between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
1/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) celebrates intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
1/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) celebrates intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
2/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
3/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) reacts in the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
4/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hands off the ball to running back Rico Dowdle (5) in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
5/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs against Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (26) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
6/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers former player Mike Alstott (40) cheers in the first half between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
7/7
See wet, rainy scenes from Panthers vs. Buccaneers NFL Week 18 game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Additionally, it's not unprecedented for a team seeded fourth − as the eventual NFC South champs will be − to wind up hosting a conference championship game if enough chaos befalls the squads seeded above it. By comparison, at least five teams could wind up with 11 wins or more but have very little hope of a postseason home game – just a year after theMinnesota Vikingsgot stuck with a wild card despite going 14-3 (the most wins ever by a non-divisional winner).
It doesn't sit right. It's akin to Boise State getting a CFP bye week, an oversight that was quickly corrected. The NFL could have addressed its own "issue" in 2025 and nearly did, theDetroit Lionsmaking a proposal last Marchwhich encouraged league owners "to amend the current playoff seeding format to allow Wild Card teams to be seeded higher than Division Champions if the Wild Card team has a better regular season record."
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More than reasonable, it's absolutely the correct approach for a football system rigged to produce parity. Why wouldn't you reward teams that actually achieve excellence with a seed commensurate to win totals?
The old-school purists – and I frequently consider myself one of them – will argue that capturing a division is sacrosanct, an accomplishment deserving of the consequential home game as postseason starts. But honestly, it now sounds a lot like those empty suits who used to defend the sanctity and pageantry of the college football bowl system – and whatever would we do without the Duke's Mayo Bowl or, clutching pearls, the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl? Somewhat surprisingly, Detroit's proposal actually got some traction last spring before ultimately being tabled – though maybe one sloppy Saturday in January will fuel it with future momentum.
And, granted, it was easier to defend the argument of fully rewarding division winners a few decades ago, when there were three in a 14-member conference – half of most teams' schedules at that time made up of divisional foes, inherently making those games more valuable and compelling.
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
(Peter Casey, Imagn Images)
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.
(Steven Bisig, Imagn Images)
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.
(Robert Deutsch, Imagn Images)
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the"Monday Night Football"game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms forthe 28-3 win.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets duringa 27-21 winon"Monday Night Football"at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike"Rivalries"uniforms – the team version dubbed"Dark Waters."
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.
(Mitch Stringer, Imagn Images)
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
(Cary Edmondson, Imagn Images)
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.
(Paul Rutherford, Imagn Images)
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.
(Kim Klement Neitzel, Imagn Images)
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.
(Morgan Tencza, Imagn Images)
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.
(Stephen Lew, Imagn Images)
1/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
(Peter Casey, Imagn Images)
1/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
(Peter Casey, Imagn Images)
2/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
3/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
4/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.
(Cory Knowlton, Imagn Images)
5/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.
(Joe Camporeale, Imagn Images)
7/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
8/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.
(Steven Bisig, Imagn Images)
9/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
10/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
11/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.
(Robert Deutsch, Imagn Images)
12/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the"Monday Night Football"game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms forthe 28-3 win.
(Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images)
13/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets duringa 27-21 winon"Monday Night Football"at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike"Rivalries"uniforms – the team version dubbed"Dark Waters."
(Rich Storry, Imagn Images)
14/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.
(Mitch Stringer, Imagn Images)
16/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
17/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
(Cary Edmondson, Imagn Images)
18/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.
(Paul Rutherford, Imagn Images)
19/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.
(Kim Klement Neitzel, Imagn Images)
20/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
21/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.
(Morgan Tencza, Imagn Images)
22/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
23/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
(Jeffrey Becker, Imagn Images)
24/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.
(Jeff Hanisch, Imagn Images)
25/25
Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.
(Stephen Lew, Imagn Images)
But the NFL realigned in 2002, going to eight four-team divisions across the two conferences. In the era of the 17-game regular season, 65% of a given club's schedule is against non-divisional opponents – meaning it's not uncommon to thrive against potentially sub-par intra-divisional rivals, struggle mightily against the rest of the league and still wind up with a crown. Strike seasons notwithstanding, the 2025 Bucs or Panthers will become the fifth sub-.500 outfit to reach to the playoffs in the Super Bowl era (which dates to 1966) – something that never occurred prior to the 2010 campaign.
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And Sunday night's winner-take-all AFC North battle between theBaltimore Ravens(8-8) andPittsburgh Steelers(9-7) will confer a similar reward – even though the six other AFC teams that have already qualified for the playoffs all have at least 11 wins.
Divisions make sense in the NFL. They've maintained and/or created natural geographic rivalries, nicely inform the starting point of the annual scheduling process and afford a little extra warranted currency when it comes time to breaking ties for playoff entry. But winning one should confer no more than a playoff opportunity. No way these Bucs or Panthers deserve to be seeded higher than theSan Francisco 49ersorLos Angeles Rams, teams that −along with the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks− have made the NFC West the league's preeminent division in 2025, even as they've routinely beaten up on one another.Baker Mayfield's next pick orBryce Young's next 100-yard passing day should have to occur as a No. 7 seed toiling in front of hostile fans while they're accordingly derided (yet enjoyed for their shortcomings) by them.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 03: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
And maybe you think this is a problem that solves itself. The last playoff team with a losing record, the 2022 Bucs, got smoked at home byDak Prescottand theDallas Cowboyson a Monday night stage which was the lastTom Bradygraced as a player. But two of the four teams that have won divisions with losing records actually wound up advancing to the divisional round.
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Bottom line? Tradition is nice. Fairness is better.
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