Is an 18 Game NFL Season Inevitable?
The NFL is currently exploring the possibility of expanding the regular season from 17 to 18 games. This proposal has been floated for a while, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussing it on The Pat McAfee Show. One idea is to reduce the preseason to just two games, allowing teams to jump into the regular season faster, though this may leave players a bit rusty at the start.
An 18-game season would mean a longer regular season, potentially pushing the Super Bowl to the third Sunday in February, which is President’s Day weekend. This extension would give fans more football but also stretch the season further into the year. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is engaged in high-level discussions with the league about this potential change, similar to a high-stakes negotiation where players seek a better deal and the league aims to maintain fan interest.
Some players, like Miami Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer, are less enthusiastic about the extra game, comparing it to being asked to run an additional mile at the end of a marathon. This sentiment highlights the concern over the increased physical toll on players. The NFLPA is considering various concessions to make the 18-game season work, including adjustments to roster sizes, practice squad sizes, and even field surfaces.
The Cleveland Browns have proposed adding two extra weeks to the schedule, with one week for the 17th game and another anticipating the eventual 18th game. This planning aims to ensure the schedule can accommodate the extra game smoothly. For now, the NFL’s 2024 schedule remains a 17-game season spread over 18 weeks, but the anticipation for an 18-game season is building.
Given the ongoing discussions and the league’s constant drive for growth, an 18-game NFL season seems likely to happen in the next few years. Having the day off of work after the Super Bowl almost seems like it is meant to be. This potential change promises more football for fans but comes with challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the players’ well-being and the quality of the games.