Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that NFL owners have approved a proposal (which is all it is, at this point) to expand the playoffs to a 16-team format should regular-season games get canceled due to COVID-19. That could become a possibility with the number of teams that have at least one player on the reserve/COVID-19 list continuing to climb.
NFL owners approved a proposal to add two playoff teams - eight in each conference - if regular-season games get cancelled.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2020
Chris Mortensen notes that the proposal does not include the re-seeding of teams for the playoffs. For those wondering, that means the NFC East winner, no matter the record, would still host a home game.
Roger Goodell, @nflcommish, announces that the owners have adopted two resolutions:
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) November 10, 2020
1. Incentives to reward teams that develop coaches and executives of color.
2. Expanded 16-team playoff was unanimously approved by owners, but amended to not have an re-seeding for playoffs.
The 16-team playoff is still only on a contingency basis if the season is not fully completed. https://t.co/Wsw5mWPXWX
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) November 10, 2020
The San Francisco 49ers currently own a 4-5 record. If the season ended today, the 49ers would be in ninth place within the conference and still miss the playoffs even with eight NFC teams being represented.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.