Of the 20 teams that missed the playoffs last season, none had a better record than the Los Angeles Rams. At 9-7, they even had the same record as two teams that made the postseason (Eagles and Titans).
They were a made field goal away from reaching the playoffs, had Greg Zuerlein’s kick not sailed wide right against the Seahawks in Week 7. But under the league’s proposed CBA, the Rams would’ve gotten in anyway at 9-7.
If approved, the playoff structure would change from 12 teams to 14 teams – seven from each conference. There would be just one bye per conference going to the top seed, adding two more games to wild-card weekend.
NFL playoff structure is about to be changed. Under the current CBA proposal, seven teams from each conference will make the playoffs, with only bye per conference, sources tell ESPN. It would go into effect this upcoming season. More coming on https://t.co/rDZaVFhcDQ.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2020
The Rams would’ve snuck in as the third wild card last season, as would have the Steelers in the AFC. Los Angeles would’ve played the second-seeded Packers in the wild-card round.
It doesn’t change the disappointment from the Rams finishing 9-7 and coming up well short of expectations, but it’s worth noting how it would’ve affected the bracket last year.
Adam Schefter also reported that under the CBA proposal, the regular season would be increased to 17 games with the preseason cut to three games.
More details: Under the current CBA proposal that NFL owners are pushing for, the playoff field would be expanded to seven teams, while the regular season would be increased to 17 games per team, and the preseason shortened to three games per team, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2020
The CBA has yet to be approved as talks are ongoing, but it seems NFL owners are pushing for an expanded playoff and longer season – which players are unlikely to be excited about.