didn’t make the playoff or win the title in a given year. There are no dark horse title contenders lurking out there in the 8-16 range. Happy for them to get a game that has traditional “knockout” drama attached to it, but the fact of the matter is the real contenders are being given a shot. And they’re winning championships when they should.
Others have pointed out that a larger playoff could increase parity, which would maybe bring it closer in line with the NFL, where a bigger playoff is warranted. If that actually happens, I will change my tune.