Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has voiced his frustrations with the NFL’s current playoff seeding format, suggesting changes might be necessary to better reward teams with stronger records.
With the Lions and Vikings both boasting 14-2 records heading into their Week 18 clash, the outcome will determine who secures the NFC North title and potentially the No. 1 seed in the conference.
Though both teams are guaranteed playoff spots, the difference between home-field advantage and having to play on the road could come down to a single game, as the loser would fall to the No. 5 seed despite a 14-3 mark.
St. Brown, on the podcast he hosts with his brother, Equanimeous St. Brown, questioned the fairness of the structure, calling it “crazy” that a team with 14 wins might still face a wild-card game away from home.
“That’s one of the craziest rules ever,” the Lions star said on Friday’s edition of the “St. Brown Podcast.” “The NFL needs to change it to division winners make the playoffs. After that, best records for seeding. That’s how seeding has got to work. Top-four teams get the 1-4 seeds and all the way down.”
His comments have reignited debate over whether the NFL should reconsider its playoff format to prioritize overall records rather than division standings.
Basketball fans have called for a similar format in the NBA.
As the Lions prepare for their critical showdown with the Vikings, the result will not only impact playoff positioning but could also fuel further calls for changes to the postseason system.
For St. Brown and the Lions, the focus remains on controlling their destiny and solidifying their path toward a deep playoff run.
And, of course, that starts and ends with the possibility of the Lions winning their first-ever Super Bowl.
This week, the star wide receiver was named a Pro Bowler for the second time after collecting 109 catches, 1,186 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns through 17 weeks.
It’s his third straight campaign with at least 100 receptions and over 1,000 receiving yards.