The NFL is considering expanding its regular-season schedule to 18 games amid ongoing growth in popularity, following the addition of a 17th game in 2021 that reduced preseason games per team from four to three.[1][2]
The NFL Players Association has stated that players "have no appetite for a regular-season 18th game," citing concerns over health and safety.[3]
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft predicted in February 2024 that an 18-game schedule is inevitable, saying, "I think 18-0 is inevitable."[4]
Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins, speaking ahead of Super Bowl LIX, described an 18th game as unavoidable, telling Fox News Digital, "It’s going to happen either way," and speculating it could lead to further expansions.[5]
Former NFL MVP quarterback Cam Newton, who retired after the 2021 season, viewed the proposal as "good business" for the league, noting it would further dilute preseason games similar to the 2021 change. He told Fox News Digital, "Man, it’s a lot on the body."[5]
Dawkins, a 2023 Pro Bowl selection for the Bills who finished the 2023 season with an 11-6 record atop the AFC East, offered a player's counterpoint emphasizing career longevity.[1][5]
Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP with the Carolina Panthers, now focuses on content creation through Iconic Saga Productions, including shows like "Funky Friday." He recently announced a partnership with Offscript Worldwide at the 2024 IAB NewFronts to expand athlete-driven content.[5]
The 2024 NFL regular season consists of 17 games over 18 weeks, with no confirmed plans for expansion in 2025 or beyond.[1]
Sources
- NFL.com
Article: "NFL owners approve plan for 17-game regular season beginning in 2021"
Publication date: March 26, 2021
https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-owners-approve-plan-for-17-game-regular-season-beginning-in-2021-0ap3000001220992 - ESPN.com
Article: "NFL schedule expansion to 18 games? Owners, players split on idea"
Publication date: March 20, 2024
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39707596/nfl-owners-discuss-18-game-schedule-nflpa-no-interest - ProFootballTalk (NBC Sports)
Article: "Patriots' Robert Kraft: 'I think 18-0 is inevitable'"
Publication date: February 8, 2024
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2024/02/08/robert-kraft-i-think-18-0-is-inevitable/ - Fox News Digital
Article: "Bills star Dion Dawkins explains his ‘counter’ to potential NFL 18th game: ‘Careers are only getting shorter’"
Accessed date: February 2025
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/bills-star-dion-dawkins-explains-counter-potential-nfl-18th-game-careers-only-getting-shorter