Shock question tiebreaker formula

The National Conference playoff picture, thought to be settled last week, has been called into question.

If Arizona wins on the road against Iowa tonight, the Rattlers are undisputed West Division champions and the No. 1 seed. They would host No. 4 San Jose in the first round.

However, if the Rattlers lose, Spokane and Arizona finish with 14-4 records and it would come down to tiebreaking procedures. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head record (the teams split) and the second tiebreaker is record against division opponents (both went 4-2).

The third tiebreaker is record versus common opponents. If Arizona loses it would finish 11-3. Spokane is 10-2. The question is whether the third tiebreaker is determined by winning percentage (which favors Spokane) or number of wins (which favors Arizona).

Shock majority owner Brady Nelson sent the AFL a letter two days asking for a clarification on the third tiebreaker from the rules and competition committee. The group met on Friday and is expected to announce a decision on Sunday.

Both teams will host first-round playoff games, but the result of the ruling will impact their first-round opponents and most likely the site of National Conference championship game.