posted by BR1986FB
Assuming the season is played this year, the league voted to expand to 7 playoff teams in each conference...3 wildcards with the #1 seed getting the bye. Was obviously talked about but now confirmed.
Well, I suppose I should be happy because I think the 5 times PIT missed the playoffs the last 12 years or whatever they would have been the 7th seed.
I don't like the competitive balance of 1 bye. But I think the advantage comes mostly from one less game facing elimination, and one more week to rest and get healthy. The rust definitely shows, though, and has caught more than a few teams.
I'm sure before long they eventually go to 8 teams, and then you've really marginalized the regular season. Becomes a much tougher decision to play a guy who's hurt when it only potentially affects seeding and not making the post-season.