3. Easier route to the playoffs
With the new CBA, the NFL will see its playoff teams expand from 12 to 14 teams beginning in 2020. Each conference will have seven representatives, one from each division and three wild card teams. In addition, there will be just one first-round bye up for grabs per conference.
This new rule will certainly make Chicago’s route to the playoffs much easier, especially in a division that features the reigning division champion Packers and Vikings.
Over the last decade, there were two season where the Bears would’ve made the playoffs had this rule been in place — during the Lovie Smith years in 2011 and 2012.
So, what if there had been 14 playoff teams for the past decade? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/XTcEO31S6c
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) March 15, 2020