Sport

The NFL’s bogus playoff seeding system penalises the more deserving

The 14-3 Vikings and 12-5 Commanders will open the playoffs on the road because the NFL rewards even the most middling of division winners

Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings is hit by Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions during the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan - Darnold looked far more like the iffy, inconsistent quarterback of old than the one who has impressed so much this season. Photograph: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings is hit by Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions during the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan - Darnold looked far more like the iffy, inconsistent quarterback of old than the one who has impressed so much this season. Photograph: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Doug Farrar
Mon Jan 06 2025 - 12:19 • 11 MIN READ