For the first time in NFL history, a team with 14 wins will be required to earn a wild-card spot in the NFL playoffs.
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, both 14-2, will meet Sunday night for both the NFC North crown and the conference's top seed.
The loser will fall to the fifth seed in the top wild-card bracket despite having 14 wins on the season.
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Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown runs for a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
This won't be the first time they've been seeded in the playoffs. There have been seven to nine teams that have won district championships, which automatically means a playoff game.
But Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will have to rethink the format as Wild Card weekend cannot be at home, even though the team is in danger of losing after just three games. He says there is.
“It's crazy. I think the rules should be changed,” St. Brown told reporters this week. “Obviously if you win your division you qualify for the playoffs, but it’s kind of crazy that a team that wins 14 games has to go on the road, but I don’t think I’m making the rules. ”
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrates with fans after a 9-yard touchdown reception during the second half on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
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The NFL and MLB use a similar format, with the top seed receiving a bye and the winners of all divisions receiving home-field advantage in the first round. The NBA determines seeds based on conference standings regardless of division, while the NHL uses a combination of conference and division standings, but there are no byes.
St. Brown says the team doesn't need to worry anyway.
“I think we'll be fine either way. Whether it's going on the road or having a bye week and playing at home, we're built for either,” he said. Ta.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Keyshawn Nixon for a touchdown during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. I decided. (Jeff Hanisch/USA Today)
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The Lions and Vikings kick off Sunday in Detroit. The Packers, also in the NFC North, enter the weekend as the No. 6 seed with an 11-5 record.
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