NFL Rumors: Expanded Playoffs Proposal May Feature Monday Night Game

The NFL is reportedly considering adding a Monday night game to Wild Card Weekend under the new proposed collective bargaining agreement.

Peter King of NBC Sports reported the league is considering two formats for the expanded playoff system, featuring either three games apiece on Saturday and Sunday or two games Saturday, three Sunday and a Monday night game.

While nothing is set in stone, there are a couple of complications with the Monday game. First, the NFL may not want to put a team at a competitive disadvantage by making it play on a short week in the divisional round. Second, a Monday night game runs the risk of going head-to-head with the college football national championship game.

Under the proposal, which was approved by NFL owners but rejected by the NFLPA executive committee, the postseason will expand to seven teams per conference. Only the top seed in the AFC and NFC will receive byes.

While there are some issues to be ironed out in collective bargaining, playoff expansion seems like a virtual certainty. Few players who have come out against the proposal have mentioned the additional Wild Card Game, instead focusing on issues like a 17th regular-season game and revenue split.

It also seems unlikely the NFL would want to create a showdown with the NCAA over one playoff game. If the NFL wanted to expand its playoffs into Monday, it would be doing so for ratings purposes. Its current Monday Night Football partner, ESPN, broadcasts the College Football Playoff final. 

The NCAA and NFL have what amounts to a basic understanding (one enforced by law) about going head-to-head. If the NFL wants a Monday Wild Card Game, it's likely the league would include the NCAA in future scheduling to avoid any conflict.