sports
January 8, 2026
Kicking zones and a ban on losing teams: NFL playoff tweaks we’d like to see
The postseason consistently serves up enthralling football. But there are ways to make it even more compelling
TL;DR
- Teams with losing records are making the NFL playoffs by winning their divisions, which is seen as a design flaw.
- The automatic playoff berth and home game for division winners, regardless of record, is a point of contention.
- The expansion of the playoff field to 14 teams is criticized as being driven by television packages rather than rewarding excellence.
- Suggestions for playoff reform include returning to 12 teams or expanding to 16 teams with clearer bye structures.
- Recent rule changes have benefited kickers, allowing for longer and more frequent field goals, which some argue diminishes the game's drama.
- Potential solutions to reintroduce jeopardy to kicking include a 'kicking zone' or narrowing the goalposts.
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