Part 5/8:
Intriguingly, once this proposed realignment is established, the next step is to review how well current NFL standings would fit into these new divisions. As of late December, a simulation using the Madden NFL 23 video game was employed to test the outcomes based on real-time NFL standings.
The playoff picture unfolded as follows:
Western Conference Matchups
Pacific Division: The San Francisco 49ers (10-4) faced the Seattle Seahawks (7-7), resulting in a closely contested game with the 49ers emerging victorious.
Central Division: The Cowboys entered the playoff as division winners (10-4) but faced the Chargers (8-6), suffering an unexpected loss.
Midwest Division: The top teams were the Vikings and Chiefs (both at 11-3), leading to an intense rivalry.