"That's the craziest": Amon-Ra St. Brown demands major change to NFL playoff rules

Detroit Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has called for an overhaul of the NFL playoff seeding system. The Pro Bowler criticized rules that could force a 14-win team to play on the road in the postseason.

St. Brown, who has amassed 1,186 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns this season, speaks from experience. His Lions (14-2) will face the Minnesota Vikings (14-2) in Week 18, with the loser potentially dropping to the fifth seed despite holding one of the NFL's best records.

On Saturday's episode of his "St. Brown Podcast," he expressed frustration with the playoff format. His comments came just two days before the Lions' crucial matchup against Minnesota at Ford Field.

"That's the craziest, I'm thinking about it now and it is one of the craziest rules ever," St. Brown said. "NFL needs to change it to... Division winners obviously make the playoffs after that. Best record from seeding. That's how the season should work, best record."

The stakes highlight concerning flaws in the NFL's playoff structure. The winner will claim the NFC North title and No. 1 seed with a first-round bye. The loser, despite potentially finishing 14-3, faces a road game against a division winner with possibly just nine wins.

What does Amon-Ra St. Brown's concern signify?

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Under the format adopted in 2020, 14 teams qualify for the playoffs — seven from each conference. Only one team per conference receives a first round bye, while the remaining 12 teams compete in wild card games.

The Lions-Vikings showdown showcases the system's inequities. Minnesota, led by Justin Jefferson's 1,479 yards and 10 TDs this season, matches Detroit's stellar record. However, one powerhouse will travel for their playoff opener while weaker division winners host games.

Recent history favors higher seeds in wild card matchups. No. 2 seeds hold a 7-1 record against No. 7 seeds since 2020. However, the Dallas Cowboys' loss to Green Bay last season proved upsets remain possible.

The projected NFC playoff bracket illustrates the stakes. The Lions would earn a bye as the No. 1 seed with a win. A loss would drop them to No. 5, facing the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) on the road.

This scenario particularly stings given both Detroit and Minnesota have outperformed traditional NFC powers. The defending conference champion San Francisco 49ers missed the playoffs entirely despite preseason Super Bowl expectations.

Sunday's clash carries massive implications. Detroit holds the tiebreaker after beating Minnesota on Oct. 20. The rematch at Ford Field could preview an NFC championship game — if the playoff format allows these elite teams to meet again.