Something rotten in the AFC West

[jcompton-Orlando]

I can't believe nobody's pointed this out before.

It wasn't true this year, but from seasons 9-13 (five straight years!) the AFC West winner was the team that drew the short divisional schedule (4 divisional games, instead of 7.) Does that strike anybody else as really off?

[Niki]

yeah, but that is a bug in the programme, just like EFC East teams always play an away agme in week 14! The Amsterdam Admirals never had a home game in week 1. (when the 4 team division was west, the amsterdam played in it)

[JH-SanAntonio]

It's "off" in the sense that it's a silly way to choose a division champion

It's perfectly understandable, though, considering the strength of the teams competing for a title in that division during that time.  The winner usually had just a game or two over the others- who had to play each other more often.

JH

[jcompton-Orlando]

Yes, but given the strength of the teams, doesn't it seem likely that being spared 3 divisional clashes very well might have been the make-or-break difference?