NFL fans who have been yearning for a day after the big game to be declared a Super Bowl holiday could soon have their wish. In 2021, the NFL expanded from 16 to 17 regular season games for the first time in more than four decades. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Friday that more changes may be coming.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told CBS’s Pat McAfee on Friday that he expects to see an increase in international games in the future, an expanded regular season slate of 18 games, and the possibility of a Super Bowl Holiday on Presidents’ Day weekend.
So, what are the boons and banes of the shift in the league calendar?
More than Just a Super Bowl Holiday
A Super Bowl holiday weekend is a football fan’s dream. Of course, from a selfish point of view, football fans would love to see more games. One more week that counts is a no-brainer for many fans. And it would almost certainly mean that the preseason would be cut from three to two.
The league benefits greatly from increased revenue through their broadcast partners, who see higher ratings from games that actually matter compared to those that only decide which rookies will join the team. Additionally, there is a boost in revenue from the growing market of legalized sports betting.
Fans tend to place more bets on regular season matches rather than preseason games, especially when they know the main players will be playing and the teams are aiming for victory. This results in more profits for the league.
The adjustment would help level the playing field in the league’s schedule. Right now, teams play nine games at home and eight away in one season, then switch the following year. This setup can give certain teams an edge with an extra home game. Having nine home and nine away games would definitely be more equitable for all 32 teams. The Super Bowl trajectory of certain teams could drastically shift with these changes.
The Downsides of an 18-game Schedule
There are definitely some downsides too. Rookies and players who are on the edge of making it to the NFL teams would have less opportunities to show off their skills to the coaches and demonstrate that they deserve a spot on the final 53-man roster. Even though preseason games may not be the most exciting, they do carry weight, especially for those players aiming to make a strong initial impact.
The players’ health and long-term well-being are the major drawback here. The NFL says they prioritize player health, but increasing the season from 16 games to 18 games in just a few years doesn’t really support that claim.
A lot of the harm caused to players doesn’t come from those jaw-dropping big hits we see on replays that make us cringe, but instead from the constant contact that may seem insignificant, but gradually wears down the players’ bodies over time.
When a player manages to withstand five seasons in the NFL, that means they have played 10 more regular season games. Football is a sport where almost every player ends up injured, it’s only a matter of how frequently and how seriously. Going on a deep Super Bowl playoff run only increases the likelihood of something serious happening.
The Future of an 18-game NFL League Calendar
Regular season games attract a larger crowd and create a unique vibe compared to the preseason. The way people consume media has evolved, resulting in lower ratings for most TV shows due to the abundance of choices available. However, the NFL stands out as an exception, as this year’s Super Bowl once again shattered viewership records.
NFL fans everywhere should be thrilled about the coming Super Bowl holiday as the 18-game season is likely coming as the league continues to search for more money.
The big question? Will the players be compensated both in salary and future medical benefits for what they are sacrificing to make it happen?
About the Author
Michelle has a knack for all things sports. A life-long member of the Raider Nation, Michelle has learned football patience over the years. Follow her on Twitter at @Michellebe1717 and follow us @TotalApexSports.
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