Division winners vs Playoff spot

[*SHRacerX*]

(12-31-2020, 11:30 AM)Bigcatfan Wrote: This NFL rule has bothered me for many years. All division winners are given a playoff spot, and your record isn't an issue for that spot. I have a serious issue with how the NFL allows a team with a below average record be awarded a spot in the playoffs just because they win their division. The team with the best record of the 4 teams win that division, ok, that's nice, but to be given a free shot in the playoffs over a team that has a better record than you is just not fair. That means that its really not worth the effort to win the last remaining games. Your not going to win your division, and a losing team that did win that division gets in.
  That's how its looking for the NFC EAST. No team has a winning record, but whatever  team wins the division goes to the playoffs, And a team with a better record may be knocked out from another division.

One thing it kind of allows for is the team that is hit hard with key injuries but rallies and squeaks out the division.  I think Washington would have had a much better record if Alex Smith played QB all season.  No one, right now, wants to face that defense in the playoffs...especially if Smith is playing.  

Borderline unbelievable about Haskins.  He must have a real attitude problem.  Amazes me that they were able to keep that buried at OSU.  Better coaching?  Better culture?  Regardless, very embarrassing for him to be released after just two years.  They must really not think highly of him at all.