Lions Withdraw NFL Playoff Seeding Proposal

The Detroit Lions, in collaboration with the NFL and following public comments from receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, withdrew their proposal to change the playoff seeding system to prioritize regular-season records over division titles for home playoff games. The proposal did not receive adequate support from team owners, many of whom are reluctant to remove the guaranteed home game for division winners. The current division-based playoff system, in place since 1970, remains unchanged for the 2025 season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell supports making late-season games more meaningful, but traditionalists, including coaches like Mike Tomlin, resist changes to the playoff structure. There is growing acknowledgment that reseeding could become necessary, especially if the league moves to an 18-game regular season. For now, division champions will continue to receive at least one home postseason game, though further debate is expected as the NFL considers future changes.