.500 teams winning divisions

[ElvisLives]

I suppose because I rarely ever pay attention to team records, I am flabbergasted to see two NFL teams that are 8-8 leading their divisions, with one having already clinched their division title. .500 teams. Wow.
Mathematically, I suppose this is something that happens regularly. I just never noticed it before. The division champ I mentioned still has a game to play. So they could become a division champ with a losing record.
And I thought the Texas UIL playoff system was the only diluted system on the planet. Not so.

Thankfully, I have no financial - or emotional - interest in any teams, and I don't gamble. So, no skin off my nose. The only thing interesting for me is if Brady can get his 8th championship. Not likely, but a possibility.

[Kalle]

In theory you could win a division with a 0-11-6 record (or 3-14-0).

[dammitbobby]

I've often wondered something similar but don't have the math chops to figure this out - is it possible for all teams in a division to be .500? Or does at least one have to edge out the others?

[Kalle]

I've often wondered something similar but don't have the math chops to figure this out - is it possible for all teams in a division to be .500? Or does at least one have to edge out the others?

If all teams in the division lose all their non-division games, that leaves 12 games that at least one team does not lose. If each team wins their home games, that would leave all four teams with a 3-14-0 record.

[Ralph Damren]

I think we would call that PARITY....then come da' tie-breakers