JDB, thanks for the reply.
I truly think there is value here for the game as a whole and retention of users.
The teams that consistently miss the playoffs, or get stuck at divisional round get something else to play for, the guys at the top have addition bragging rights incentives....
I've played 5 full seasons so far and have done very well (2 championships, 1 Super Bowl loss, 2 divisional losses). After a time it becomes rather formulaic.
Something to add tings to the achievement ladder at all levels can only increase overall interest and user rentention.
In my opinion : )