Its all based on money. Which matchups and rematches will bring more money via advertising and merchandise. The decisions are made in the long of season. Who wins and who loses are moot ... its who gets the nod to be champions. case in point, The year Carolina and Jacksonville recieved expansion teams both of them made it to their respective championship games, coincidence , I think not. Elway wins 2 Superbowls before he retires. Jerome Bettis and Bill Cowher win a Super Bowl before they retire. If owners pay enough tribute money to Vegas and the officers of the league , they get a Championship. We all know Ralph Wilson is a tight wad so no championship here.