Sam Darnold and Kenneth Walker III (Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

NFL Reveals Plans For Changing Playoff Structure

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Alex Hoegler | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 10:18 AM ET

The current NFL playoff format came under fire again in 2025, with the 12-5 Los Angeles Rams forced to visit the 8-9 Carolina Panthers and 11-6 Chicago Bears in the postseason.

A year earlier, the Rams benefited from the controversial postseason format. The 10-7 Rams got to host the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round, a game Los Angeles soundly won 27-9.

Unfortunately for fans who want a change as soon as possible, it’s not coming in 2026. And according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, a change to the format isn’t expected until the league inevitably expands the regular season to 18 games:

“The seeding concept has yet to be mentioned as the 2026 offseason rules cycle unfolds. And it won’t be, for now.

When the regular season inevitably expands from 17 to 18 games, it will be back on the table, we’re told. Depending on whether 345 Park Avenue can twist enough arms into a thumb’s up, it may be adopted.”

Last year, the Detroit Lions proposed a change to the NFL playoff format that would see the No. 2-7 teams in each conference reseeded by their records. However, the proposal was withdrawn in May.

In 2020, the NFL playoff format underwent a significant change. To make room for an extra wild-card team in each conference, the league eliminated second-round byes for the No. 2 seeds.

Regarding other potential rule changes? It doesn’t sound like the NFL will ban the unpopular “tush push” play this offseason, either.

NFL Playoff Format Has Been A Widely Discussed Issue For A While Now

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen on the field against the Broncos (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

The NFL postseason format reared its ugly head back in 2010. The Seattle Seahawks won the NFC West with a 7-9 record. They still got to host the 11-5 New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card Round. Seattle went on to beat the defending champions in the “Beastquake” Game.

In 2018, the 12-4 Los Angeles Chargers had to visit the 11-5 New England Patriots in the Divisional Round. The second-seeded Pats crushed the Bolts, en route to a Super Bowl 53 championship victory.

The NFL office, the NFLPA and team owners have had plenty of opportunities to change it. But it’s obviously not a priority for either party at this time.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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