The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, known for its high-energy games and intense competition. Each NFL season is structured to provide fans with an exciting and balanced schedule, ensuring that every team has a fair chance to compete. Here’s a breakdown of how many games are played in an NFL season and why the league has chosen this format.
Number of Games Per Team
As of 2021, each NFL team plays 17 regular-season games over an 18-week period. This change marked the first expansion of the regular season since 1978, when the league increased from 14 to 16 games per team12. The decision to add an extra game was made possible by the NFL-NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement and new media distribution agreements, which aimed to enhance the fan experience and grow the game globally.
Structure of the Season
The NFL season is divided into several components:
- Preseason: Each team plays three preseason games. These games are used to evaluate player performance and prepare teams for the regular season.
- Regular Season: The 18-week regular season includes 17 games for each team, with one bye week for rest. The schedule is designed to ensure a mix of divisional, conference, and interconference matchups.
- Postseason: Following the regular season, a 14-team single-elimination playoff determines the conference champions, who then compete in the Super Bow.
Why Only 17 Games?
The NFL’s decision to limit the regular season to 17 games is largely due to the physical demands of the sport. American football is a contact sport that requires significant physical and mental preparation, and each game takes a substantial toll on players. The league must balance the desire for more games with the need to protect player health and safety.
Future Changes
There have been discussions about potentially expanding the regular season to 18 games in the future. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suggested this as a logical step, potentially reducing the preseason to two games and increasing international games8. However, any changes would need to be negotiated with the NFL Players Association to ensure player safety and satisfaction.
In summary, the NFL season currently consists of 17 regular-season games per team, with a focus on maintaining a competitive balance while prioritizing player well-being. As the league continues to evolve, fans can expect ongoing discussions about potential changes to the season structure.
