This really makes the bye huge. Might make for more competition the last few weeks of the season.
I am generally not in favor of changing tradition, but I don't hate this one.
It could also mean less competition.
If the 1 seed is already locked up entering the final game or 2, you won’t see division champions still trying to fight for that #2 seed.
The difference between the #2 and #3 seeds no longer matters much at all. It used to be an ENORMOUS difference.
And there really isn’t a greater reward than before for being the #1 seed.
This helps #3 and #7 seeds while punishing #2 seeds.
I’d bet that the 2 vs 7 game will usually be a blowout. They’re watering down the playoff field for a crappy payoff.