The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OWNERS APPROVE EXTRA PLAYOFF TEAMS, GAMES
NFL owners, voting Tuesday during a league meeting held remotely, followed the recommendation of the competition committee, management-council executive committee and media committee and increased the number of playoff teams from 12 to 14 for the 2020 season.
Two additional wild-card teams — one each in the AFC and the NFC — will qualify for the playoffs. Only the No. 1 seed in each conference will receive a first-round bye.
The remaining division champions in each conference with the best records will be seeded Nos. 2, 3 and 4, followed by the next three teams per conference with the best records seeded Nos. 5, 6 and 7.
AFC and NFC wild-card games will feature the No. 2 seed hosting the No. 7 seed, the No. 3 seed hosting the No. 6 seed and the No. 4 seed hosting the No. 5 seed.
Wild-card weekend for the 2020 season will consist of three games scheduled for Jan. 9 (a Saturday) and three games Jan. 10.
The NFL last expanded the playoffs for the 1990 season, increasing from 10 to 12 the number of teams to qualify. The only Falcons teams that would have made the playoffs as a No. 7 seed since the 1990 expansion are the 2009 (9-7) and 2015 (8-8) clubs.
Owners also awarded one of those extra games to CBS and one to NBC. Three-fourths of the 32 owners needed to approve the change, and the vote was unanimous, football operations chief Troy Vincent said.
As for opening the season Sept. 10 as scheduled, NFL lead counsel Jeff Pash said: “All of our focus has been on a normal traditional season, starting on time, playing before fans in our regular stadiums and going through our full 16-game regular season and a full playoffs.”
That would include games in England and Mexico.
“I expect that international games will be part of our schedule for this year,” Pash said. “We’re optimistic just as we expect conditions in the United States to permit playing a full season that that will be the case for our international partners as well.”
Contingencies are being discussed for all potential interruptions caused by the coronavirus.
Team presidents and owners were advised of current plans for conducting the draft on April 23-25. Peter O’Reilly, who oversees organization of major events such as the Super Bowl and draft, said all of the NFL’s preparations have been designed to “ensure the selection process is sound.” That means equitable arrangements for every team; “celebrating and welcoming” draftees to the league; fan involvement “providing an escape for our fans and perhaps allowing virtual fan access”; and as a fundraiser for people and communities affected by the pandemic.
Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the first-round selection announcements from a central hub, and telecasts will have connectivity to the 32 teams and potentially some players’ homes.