What could likely occur immediately, and wasn't necessarily contingent on the passing of a new CBA, is the expansion of the NFL playoffs from 12 to 14 total teams. That would mean an extra team per conference. It would also mean that, moving forward, only one team per conference will earn a first-round bye.
Following the 2019 season, the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs all earned first-round byes within their respective conferences. Under the new rules, the Packers and Chiefs would have played during the Wild-card round while the 49ers and Ravens would have been the only teams with playoff bye weeks.
It would have also meant that the Los Angeles Rams (9-7) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) would have snuck into postseason play as No. 7 seeds within their respective conferences.
Below is what the 2019 playoffs would have looked like under the new expanded format.
* Denotes a division winner
NFC First-Round Bye:
San Francisco 49ers* (1 seed, 13-3)
The 49ers would have played the lowest-seeded winner from the NFC Wild-card round.
NFC Wild-Card Round:
Los Angeles Rams (7 seed, 9-7) at Green Bay Packers* (2 seed, 13-3)
Minnesota Vikings (6 seed, 10-6) at New Orleans Saints* (3 seed, 13-3)
Seattle Seahawks (5 seed, 11-5) at Philadelphia Eagles* (4 seed, 9-7)
AFC First-Round Bye:
Baltimore Ravens* (1 seed, 14-2)
The Ravens would have played the lowest-seeded winner from the AFC Wild-card round.
AFC Wild-Card Round:
Pittsburgh Steelers (7 seed, 8-8) at Kansas City Chiefs* (2 seed, 12-4)
Tennessee Titans (6 seed, 9-7) at New England Patriots* (3 seed, 12-4)
Buffalo Bills (5 seed, 10-6) at Houston Texans* (4 seed, 10-6)
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers insider outlines new details in Jed York's arrest
San Francisco 49ers beat reporter and insider Matt Barrows outlined new details surrounding the arrest of team owner Jed York in the Youngstown, Ohio, area on Sunday morning. York pleaded no contest Monday morning to two misdemeanor charges: disorderly conduct and possessing... -
New 49ers defensive scheme could lead to young DB's first Pro Bowl
The San Francisco 49ers' defensive backs seem to love the scheme that new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has brought to the team. Safety Ji'Ayir Brown recently said Morris' system thrives on instinctive players and added that this has been his most enjoyable training... -
The Bay's New Powerhouses Got Their Moment at Levi's Stadium
When the 49ers hosted the Titans in their preseason opener, the story on the field was about roster battles and first looks at the 2026 squad. But away from the scoreboard, Levi's Stadium turned into something bigger: a showcase for just how far women's professional sports have... -
49ers' Mike Evans signing draws warning: "Decent chance this blows up in the team's face"
The San Francisco 49ers made a splash in free agency by signing longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. The talented player entered the NFL in 2014 as the No. 7 overall draft pick and recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 11 seasons. He...