By Blessing 
So, why did the NFL ask the Detroit Lions to propose a playoff seeding change that would prioritize overall records over division titles? Simple: it’s what Commissioner Roger Goodell wants.
According to multiple sources, Goodell’s intentions became clear during last week’s league meetings. He’s pushing to do away with the rule that guarantees division winners a home playoff game—no matter their record. The goal? To make late-season matchups more meaningful and exciting.
The proposal came from the Lions, but not entirely on their own. Executive V.P. of football operations Troy Vincent gave them a nudge. During discussions, one source noted that Goodell “became visibly irritated” when the idea met resistance in the room. Clearly, he’s passionate about this shift.
On paper, the logic makes sense. The league wants to raise the stakes toward the end of the season. But that’s not a guaranteed outcome. Take the 2024 season finale between the Vikings and Lions as an example. Even with the proposed changes, the game might’ve meant less, since the loser still would’ve ended up hosting a playoff game anyway.
The Lions’ proposal didn’t get the green light just yet—it’s been tabled until May. As one source put it, when the league supports an idea but meets pushback, it gets tabled when “the [Competition Committee] or Rogers didn’t want the L.”
Whether or not Goodell can turn this into a win remains to be seen. A middle-ground solution might be allowing division champs with losing records to not host a Wild Card game. Another option on the table is re-seeding teams after the Wild Card round.
One thing is certain: the NFL is ready for change. More specifically, Goodell is ready for change. And while the owners ultimately vote on league rules, as one source noted—“it’s Goodell’s name on every football.”