This past Tuesday, NFL owners have come to a consensus about expanding the playoffs for the 2020 season. This expansion results in an additional 2 teams being added into the playoffs; a total of 14 teams in the playoff bracket. The main controversies surrounding this change include the elimination of a No. 2 seed bye, possible mediocre teams playoff push, and player dissent with the changes. My probing first impression is how this change will affect the level of competition in the regular season and playoff games. Secondly, how a 2 seed contender will either suffer or spur momentum with the subtraction of a bye. Lastly, how the players who previously opposed the change, will react to this recent update.
No. 1 Seed bye week
The way I see it, eliminating a 2 seed bye raises the stakes for teams to compete harder throughout the regular season. Since there is only one bye week per conference, there is heightened pressure to win the conference. Note: Since this change implements the subtraction of a bye, a 2 seed will play the 7 seed, 3 seed plays the 6 seed, and so on. Having a bye week prior to a big game is obviously regarded highly for preparation and rest, and this is where some controversy begins. This does incite a competitive attitude towards the regular season for teams; but does this create an inequality for those 2 seed teams that don’t catch a bye week? Looking to the future, there’s a possible narrative for a 2 seed team losing and the headlines ring about not having a bye week. This isn’t exactly an unreasonable argument considering the last two Super Bowl Champs were a 2 seed team with a bye week. However, there’s still contending teams (like the 2019 Baltimore Ravens), who mystify those who argue in favor of a “rest and preparation” bye week. For the 14-2 team that came off a bye week, the loss to the Tennessee Titans was not the favored outcome. Disregarding the exterior factors that may have weighed into the Ravens loss, could the bye week have stopped the teams offensive momentum? Possibly. For now, it’s all circumstantial possibilities that a 2 seed team will really suffer in momentum from this bye week deduction. Overall, the fight to achieve a No. 1 seed has increased the competitive nature of the regular season, and the No. 2 seed must now win an additional game to advance.
Slow Teams in the Playoffs
Up until this change, playoff contending teams will begin to spotlight through the regular season with their consistency and reg. season record. But with this change in the system, this may allow for the ‘slow start’ teams to vie for a playoff spot in the wildcard round. The NFL playoffs are aimed to include only the select best of the best teams. With the new structure, it’s questionable if this change dilutes the competitive nature of the playoffs. Next season, average 8-8 teams have an opportunity to enter the wildcard round of playoffs as No.7 seeds. While some view this change as a negative, allowing for 2 (possibly) less deserving teams to be included, this puts more emphasis on winning the No. 1 seed. In a positive light, the change allows for teams who have playoff potential, to advance further than the old structure would have granted. There’s a chance the playoffs may hold more upsets by these underdog 6 or 7 seed teams. In respect to both sides, there will still be vying for a 1 seed position, as well as teams with playoff potential being able to contend for a Super Bowl spot.
Player Perspective
There’s a whole player perspective involving this change because players are the main component affected by this change. This playoff expansion was narrowly approved under the CBA- which is a dyad of the NFLPA (Player Association) and the NFL owners. A few prominent players almost immediately objected to an extended season including Richard Sherman, J.J. Watt, and Aaron Rodgers.
Besides the fact that players will be more than fairly compensated for the extended season, there is fear that injuries will play a role in a longer postseason. Remember there is already the subtraction of a bye week unless the team is a No. 1 seed: Therefore, injuries may be a prevalent worry. Despite these concerns voiced by players, 22% of players did not vote for or against this shift(per Pro Football Talk). This percent was surprising considering this vote concerns the health and wealth benefits of players. In summary, if potential problems arise with this change, that 22% of eligible players will be more than motivated to participate in upcoming decisions.
Free Agency action in the past month has already stirred up some thrill, and this change adds some excitement for the postseason as well. The 2020-2021 NFL season will feel long-awaited after this current sport draught, but it definitely won’t lack in entertainment or competition.
“I hate to lose. It’s a bad feeling, but, I mean, it kind of gets you resettled, gets you back right.”
Dak Prescott
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