NFL could expand playoffs by two teams in time for 2014 season

ORLANDO, Fla. — There is a good chance the NFL will expand the playoff field from 12 to 14 teams, and the change could come as early as the upcoming season.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking Wednesday at the conclusion of the league’s annual meetings, said there was a “full discussion” on the topic among team owners and executives this week.

“I think there’s a tremendous amount of interest in this, possibly even to the point of support, but there are also things we still want to make sure we do it right,” Goodell said. “We’ve been very incremental in trying to do this, but we believe competitively it could make even our races toward the end of our season even more exciting with more teams vying for playoff positions, which is great for our fans. We still want to do some additional work, including talking with the players association.”

The NFL and NFL Players Assn. will meet April 8, and Goodell said he anticipates playoff expansion being among the topics of discussion.

As for how soon a change could be implemented, he didn’t rule out the 2014 season.

“It’s not out of the question,” he said, “but we didn’t make that decision at all. We have more work to do. I wouldn’t rule it out, but I wouldn’t say that’s the direction we’re headed right now.”

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