A NFL playoff expansion is under discussion as the league tries to decide what they want to do about shortening the preseason. According to ESPN on Sept. 29, if accepted, the playoff changes could take place as soon as the 2014 NFL season.
The reason for the NFL playoff expansion would be to offset the revenue lost by eliminating one of the preseason games. The preseason has come under attack in recent years because of the injury risks involved.
The problem with eliminating the preseason game is that this is the only time that many players have to prove they deserve a spot on the NFL roster and for the teams to see their players in real-game action. However, the preseason rarely involves anyone that will start in the regular NFL season outside of one contest where they play for a full half.
The elimination of one game would, at worst, keep teams from fully evaluating position battles in real games. The NFL competition committee believes three preseason games is all it takes for player evaluation.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the chances of the NFL playoff expansion taking place in 2014 are not likely, but sources say that they could if the NFL owners vote for it. The playoffs would expand from 12 teams to 14 teams if the NFL expansion is accepted.
