Why should a team in a **** division, with a bad record get to make the playoffs over a team in a tougher division, with a better record? In 2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a losing record, 8-9, while playing in the worst division in the league in the NFC South. Meanwhile, the Lions went 9-8 that year and played in one of the tougher divisions in the league. What is the justification for a team with a losing record, in a weaker division, with a weaker schedule, making it in over a team with a winning record?