NFL Fans React Strongly to Detroit Lions’ Proposed Rule Changes

Lions Propose Two New Rules

On Wednesday, the Lions presented two rule proposals. The first suggestion was to eliminate the automatic first down given for defensive holding and illegal contact penalties. The second proposal revolved around the postseason structure, suggesting that Wild Card teams should be ranked higher than division champions if they had a better regular season record.

How the NFL will respond to these proposals remains uncertain. A recent example highlighted the Minnesota Vikings finishing the season with a 14-3 record but still having to play on the road against the 10-7 Los Angeles Rams. If the Lions had finished 15-2 and secured the NFC’s top seed, they would have avoided the road game.

Fan Reactions

While it’s unlikely that either of the Detroit Lions’ proposals will be approved before the 2025 season, the playoff seeding suggestion could potentially change how Wild Card teams are ranked in the future. Should the NFL decide to adopt it, the shift could lead to Wild Card teams often having a higher seeding than division winners, depending on their regular-season performance.