New NFL Setup Update

Here is what the new set up should be to make the NFL Playoff seeding fairer.


Here are the updated standings: actual and new. If the playoffs began today, the AFC playoffs would look like this:
Byes: 1) Den 11-3; 2) NE 10-4.
Home playoff games: 3) Cin 9-5; 4) Ind 9-5.
Road playoff games: 5) KC 11-3; 6) Bal 8-6.

AFC playoffs in the new format:
Byes: 1) Den 11-3; 2) NE 10-4.
Home playoff games: 3) KC 11-3; 4) Cin 9-5.
Road playoff games: 5) Ind 9-5 ; 6) Bal 8-6.

In the new format, both AFC divisions would still have tight races. Denver and Kansas City would still be tied for first as they are now, but the Patriots would be up by only one game over the Bengals. In reality, the Colts have clinched the division, but in the new format, they would more appropriately be fifth and only a game ahead of 7th place.


If the playoffs began today, the NFC playoffs would look like this:
Byes: 1) Sea 12-2; 2) NO 10-4.
Home playoff games: 3) Phi 8-6; 4) Chi 8-6.
Road playoff games: 5) Car 10-4; 6) SF 10-4.

NFC playoffs in the new format:
Byes: 1) Sea 12-2; 2) NO 10-4.
Home playoff games: 3) Car 10-4; 4) SF 10-4.
Road playoff games: 5) Ari 9-5; 6) Phi 8-6.

The race for one division between New Orleans and Carolina would be for the 2nd seed. San Francisco would not be battling to get into the playoffs (despite Chicago and Philadelphia being in position for home playoff games even though they have worse records), but for a home playoff game, as they should.