For the first time in NFL history, a 14-win team will have to settle for a wild card spot in the NFL playoffs.
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, both 14-2, will meet Sunday night for the NFC North crown and first place in the conference.
The loser will drop to fifth place in the standings with the first wild card despite a 14-win 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 in Detroit on Nov. 17, 2024. (Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It wouldn’t be the first oddity in the playoff standings. There have been between 7 and 9 teams that won divisions, meaning they automatically hosted playoff games.
But with his team in danger of losing just three games and not being home on wild-card weekend, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says the format needs to be revamped.
“It’s crazy. I think the rule should be changed,” St. Brown told reporters this week. “Obviously, if you win the division, obviously you should get a playoff spot, but to have a 14-win team have to go on the road is kind of crazy. But I guess I don’t make the rules.”
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrates a 9-yard touchdown reception with fans during the second half on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
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The NFL and MLB have similar formats where the top finishers get a bye and all division winners get home-field advantage in the first round. The NBA is based on conference standings, regardless of division, while the NHL does a combination of conference and division standings, but without breaks.
St. Brown says his team has nothing to worry about.
“Either way, I think we’ll be fine. Whether we go on the road or have a week off and play at home, we’re built for either,” he said.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon to score a touchdown during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch/USA Today)
The Lions and Vikings start in Detroit on Sunday. The Packers, also in the NFC North, are 11-5 and are the sixth seed heading into the weekend.
