The Detroit Lions aren’t just building a powerhouse on the field — they’re aiming to reshape the NFL itself. In a bold move, the Lions have submitted a proposal that would dramatically alter how playoff teams are seeded, aiming to bring more fairness and reward performance over tradition.
Under the current system, division winners are guaranteed a top-four seed, even if their record is worse than a Wild Card team. But the Lions say enough is enough. Their 2025 bylaw proposal would still allow four division champs and three Wild Card teams in from each conference, but the seeding? That would go strictly by win-loss record — from 1 through 7.
Translation: no more 9-8 division winners hosting 12-5 Wild Card teams.
If this system had been in place last season, Detroit (12-5) wouldn’t have faced Washington — they would’ve hosted the Rams instead, potentially altering their postseason path entirely.
This proposal reflects what the Lions’ front office has become known for under GM Brad Holmes and owner Sheila Hamp: forward thinking, fairness, and a commitment to winning the right way. Whether it’s trading smart on draft day or standing up for players, Detroit is showing the league what a modern NFL franchise can look like.
Now, they’re putting pressure on the entire league to evolve.
The NFL has already expanded the playoffs and embraced flex scheduling — this proposal could be the next major step toward a postseason that actually reflects who the best teams are. All that’s left is a league vote.
And if it passes, the playoff race could become more intense — and more fair — than ever before.
Detroit Lions Propose Bold NFL Playoff Overhaul: Seed by Record, Not Division
