Now that the New England Patriots have gone 16-0, why do we even need to have a playoff this season in the NFL? The Pats have already proven beyond any doubt that they are the best team in the NFL this season, and they have even proven it to people such as myself who don’t even like them as a team. During the regular season the Pats have beaten the best team in the NFC (Cowboys) and all three of the other division winners in the AFC (Colts, Steelers, and Chargers). So what purpose does even playing the playoff games serve?
Clearly not to determine which team in the NFL is the best, because that has already been proven without a shadow of a doubt over the last 16 games. The purpose of the playoffs is two-fold: one is to make more money for the teams and the league, and two is to create an artificial sense of parity within the league. Having a playoff gives fans of 12 teams hope that maybe this year their team can win the Super Bowl even if their team isn’t the best in the league. But which is more difficult to do: win 16 games during the regular season or win 3 in the playoffs? Winning 16 games during the regular season proves way more to me that winning three games in January. Were the Pittsburgh Steelers the best team in the league two years ago when they won the Super Bowl? No, they simply got hot at the end of the season and by no means proved themselves to be the best team over the course of the entire season. So why even bother giving 11 other teams a chance to win the Super Bowl this year when only one team deserves it.
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Just to be clear on your statement. If the Colts had beat the Patriots earlier this year, no meltdown the following week against the Chargers, but still lost to the Titans last night, how would you assign the championship? Both teams at 15-1, except that the Colts beat them?
I don't necessarily disagree with you. However, the point may be to go 19-0. Or, 13-7, in the case of the Redskins (yes, yes, I'm a bit bias). It is about money. But at the same time, 16-0 is not a result of them playing every team in the playoffs. Let's say either Green Bay or Tampa Bay makes it to the Superbowl, vs. the Pats. There's a good reason to see that game, since neither of them have played the Pats this year. I would totally agree with your assessment, if it was required that every team play every other team in the NFL at least once each season.
In MLB, if the Nationals go 142-20 next season, just beating the Royals by one game in W-L, who would finish 141-21, should they not play the division, NLCS, and World Series?