2026 season could highlight the unfairness of the eight-division structure
It's time to consider ditching the two-conference, eight-division approach.
The current NFL division structure has been criticized for potentially unfair results, with the best of four teams in a division often securing playoff spots. This year, the NFC has two strong divisions, one subpar division, and one very weak division. Four NFC division winners automatically earn playoff berths, leaving three wild-card spots.
Oddly, three NFC North and two NFC West teams may outperform the NFC East and NFC South champions. In an episode of PFT Live, an alternative proposal was discussed: four eight-team divisions, one for each conference. This would guarantee a playoff spot to the best of eight teams, not just the best of four. Scheduling changes would be necessary, including the elimination of home-and-home series and adjusting the playoff format to include 10 or 11 additional games.
The playoffs would consist of four conference champions, with the two best teams receiving wild-card spots. This would allow for the possibility of the best two teams meeting in the Super Bowl, regardless of the AFL-NFL/AFC-NFC separation. While changing the current format may be challenging, with one-in-four chances for hosting a playoff game, it could lead to more compelling matchups and a more meritocratic structure. While unlikely, this proposal should be taken seriously in light of recent outcomes.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
