Yeah, I don't think incentives or penalties would help, but perhaps, as mentioned, scheduling the last 2 or 3 games against the division wuld minimize the problem or perception of the problem.
Of course, then, the other division might say team A conceded so team B of same division could make the playoffs vs team F from another division.
Best thing is win the games , don't cry if you don't make it, since it was the losses you had that kept you out. fix the problems and you are in no matter how or what other teams do.
Texans had a team effort to not make plays when they had opportunity this year, one or two more good vs bad plays and we're in the playoffs no matter who is rested by Indy or Cincy or anyone else.
Heck, maybe we even partially benefitted from Pats partially resting some of their players.
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