NFL Playoff Field Might Expand to 16

In another attempt to take from the rich and give to the poor, the league that introduced revenue sharing is now considering championship sharing.

The NFL owners will consider a proposal next week to expand the playoffs from 12 to 16 teams, eliminating a first-round bye for each conference’s two best teams. This proposal will be among the rule changes considered at the NFL’s annual meetings in Phoenix, where owners are also expected to debate fiercely before approving the Rams’ move to St. Louis.

On the rules agenda will also be another look at instant replay, additional protection for the quarterback and perhaps the banning of bandannas worn under helmets.

Owner Lamar Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs revealed the playoff proposal Tuesday, saying he was convinced that change was needed when his team beat the Raiders on the final Saturday of last season.

“We both finished 9-7, yet we went to the playoffs and they didn’t,” Hunt said. “And you can’t tell me that we were all that much better than them.”

Hunt, who said the changes make sense with expansion, is also disturbed by first-round byes.

“It not only gives those teams an advantage beyond the big home-field advantage, it keeps our best teams off the air for the first weekend of the playoffs,” he said.

If instant replay returns after a three-year absence, it will probably be only for the playoffs.