The NFL’s playoff structure is expected to change to reportedly include seven teams in both conferences to advance to the postseason.
The current proposal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, would add one playoff team in each conference and only the top seed in the AFC and NFC would be rewarded with byes in the first round of the playoffs.
The changes to the playoff format would take effect this season when the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified. ESPN reports there is “mounting optimism” the new CBA will be agreed upon within the week.
Through last season, the top six teams in both conferences made the playoffs.