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2mo ago

Justin Jefferson Calls for Playoff Seeding Overhaul After Lions Drop Reform Proposal

The NFL’s division-based seeding remains unchanged since the Lions withdrew their record-based hosting proposal.

Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings gestures in the second half of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson reacts after an incompletion against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Justin Jefferson said that 14-win wild card teams typically deserve home games and urged the league to adopt seeding based on regular-season records.
  • The Vikings finished 14–3 in 2024 but were relegated to a wild card spot after losing the NFC North title to the 15–2 Detroit Lions.
  • Detroit’s proposal to award home playoff games to teams with superior records was withdrawn due to insufficient support among NFL owners.
  • Under current rules, division winners secure home-field advantage in the playoffs regardless of their regular-season record.
  • The debate over seeding fairness intensified when wildfires forced the Rams to relocate their Wild Card matchup against Minnesota to Arizona.