NFL Owners Consider Major Playoff Seeding, Rule Changes

NFL team owners are set to vote on several proposed rule changes during their annual meeting, including a significant adjustment to playoff seeding that would allow wild-card teams with better records to be seeded ahead of division winners. The Detroit Lions submitted this proposal, citing instances from last season where teams with superior records, like the Minnesota Vikings, were placed lower in the playoffs due to division standings. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles proposed that both teams should have offensive possession during regular-season overtime, while the Green Bay Packers aimed to ban the controversial 'tush push' play made popular by the Eagles. The Lions also suggested eliminating automatic first downs for defensive holding and illegal contact penalties. Approval of these proposals requires a three-quarters vote from the league's owners. The meeting is scheduled to take place from March 30 to April 2 in Palm Beach, Florida.