The idea of an 18-game NFL season is back in discussion, and this time it feels closer than before. The league has been hinting at this move for a while, and a recent update about the preseason shakeup is also on the horizon.

CBS Sports writer Jonathan Jones has shared his take on this development, saying:

“There is little question that the next collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players will include an 18th regular-season game. That change is at least two years away. 2028 at the absolute earliest, 2031 at the latest.”

The league has been moving toward more games since shifting to a 17-game season in 2021. If they move forward, structural changes are expected as Jones described.

“The league will rid itself of one of three preseason games. A second bye week will be non-negotiable from the player perspective.”

Fewer preseason games would lower overall injury risk during the exhibition period, while the extra regular-season game and second bye week would allow teams to keep their starters on the field longer in games that actually count.

The monetary aspect is significant as well. 16 more games amount to a substantial financial incentive, with tickets, TV deals, and more.

Ultimately, the final structure will depend on how the NFL and the players’ union navigate the revenue split and player-safety concerns during collective negotiations.

With the conversations around this ongoing situation, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has also shared his views about it.

Roger Goodell Shares His Views On the 18 Game NFL Season

As talks around an 18-game season continue, Goodell made it clear that the league is not worried about losing competitiveness.  Earlier this month, he addressed concerns around teams slowing down or not pushing as hard late in the season.

“This is something that we obviously keep a keen focus on, but we don't see any evidence of that. I think what you see is a very competitive league, and you see players and coaches who want to win.”

His comments come at a time when questions around tanking (teams deliberately losing games to get a better draft pick next season) have been raised in other leagues. But Goodell doesn't believe that is the case with the NFL.

“They're out there playing their hearts out. I couldn’t be prouder of where the game is right now.”

There is still some concern around how a longer schedule could affect late-season games. But from the league’s point of view, that does not change the overall approach. Teams are still expected to compete, and the focus remains on winning every time they take the field.

Tell us how you feel about the new potential season plan in the comments.

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Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi