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Report: NFL playoff re-seeding could come next season

NFL playoff re-seeding is reportedly likely, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The league will vote in March whether to expand the playoff field from 12 to 14 teams next season, which would likely spur the re-seeding changes.
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NFL playoff changes, including re-seeding, are likely for 2015, reports ESPN's Chris Mortensen. The league will vote in March whether to expand the playoff field from 12 to 14 teams next season, which would likely spur the re-seeding.

The idea of re-seeding the playoffs has grown in popularity this season, with the Saints and Falcons currently tied for the NFC South lead at 5-8. Division champions receive at least a first-round home game in the playoffs.

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From the report:

One formula that will be discussed in the offseason is that in addition to first-round byes for the teams with the best record in the AFC and NFC, two divisional champions in each conference will get home games and the remaining 8 teams will be seeded by win-loss record.

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Last month, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that NFL owners would discuss the possibility of re-seeding the playoffs, but that change was unlikely because owners prefer to reward division winners with a playoff home game.

The Saints and Falcons each have three games remaining, meaning the best either team could finish is .500.

- Molly Geary