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The NFL has had a busy offseason beyond free agency and the NFL Draft. Commissioner Roger Goodell has continued to push the league’s global expansion through both broadcasting platforms and the International Series. On Tuesday, NFL owners voted to expand the International Series to 10 games in the future.
The league also made a major decision regarding how those games will be scheduled. According to multiple reports, the NFL voted to eliminate teams’ ability to block up to two games from being scheduled internationally. As a result, any matchup on the schedule can now be moved to an international site.
MORE: Sean McVay shares his biggest regret as Los Angeles Rams head coach
Of all the changes tied to the International Series, this may be the league’s worst decision yet. We are already seeing divisional games removed from home stadiums and played on neutral fields abroad.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This season, the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars matchups will take place at international sites. Both games could carry significant playoff implications later in the season. Why would the NFL willingly remove home-field advantage from divisional games that could help decide the standings?
What comes next? Bears-Packers in London? Steelers-Ravens in Japan? Patriots-Bills in Italy? At that point, the NFL might as well do away with divisions altogether. And that only scratches the surface of the issue.
MORE: Cleveland Browns giving another quarterback on roster an opportunity
What happens when marquee matchups such as Bills-Chiefs — games with major playoff implications — are moved overseas? It makes sense for the NFL to want attractive matchups for the International Series, and the league should have some flexibility to make that happen.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international Peter O’Reilly, Victoria minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos and NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord pose at the NFL International press conference to announce the 2026 Melbourne Game at the Super Bowl LIX Media Center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
However, there is a fine line. By removing the limited protection teams previously had, the NFL risks damaging the long-term integrity of the initiative. There is nothing wrong with hosting games such as Cowboys-Ravens in Brazil or Patriots-Lions in Germany.
But placing more divisional and interconference games at risk of being taken away from home fans — or stripping teams of the ability to keep those games in their own stadiums — creates a much bigger problem.
This may end up being the most puzzling decision the league makes in 2026.
Continue reading...
The league also made a major decision regarding how those games will be scheduled. According to multiple reports, the NFL voted to eliminate teams’ ability to block up to two games from being scheduled internationally. As a result, any matchup on the schedule can now be moved to an international site.
MORE: Sean McVay shares his biggest regret as Los Angeles Rams head coach
Of all the changes tied to the International Series, this may be the league’s worst decision yet. We are already seeing divisional games removed from home stadiums and played on neutral fields abroad.
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Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
This season, the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars matchups will take place at international sites. Both games could carry significant playoff implications later in the season. Why would the NFL willingly remove home-field advantage from divisional games that could help decide the standings?
A questionable decision with consequence?
What comes next? Bears-Packers in London? Steelers-Ravens in Japan? Patriots-Bills in Italy? At that point, the NFL might as well do away with divisions altogether. And that only scratches the surface of the issue.
MORE: Cleveland Browns giving another quarterback on roster an opportunity
What happens when marquee matchups such as Bills-Chiefs — games with major playoff implications — are moved overseas? It makes sense for the NFL to want attractive matchups for the International Series, and the league should have some flexibility to make that happen.
You must be registered for see images attach
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international Peter O’Reilly, Victoria minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos and NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord pose at the NFL International press conference to announce the 2026 Melbourne Game at the Super Bowl LIX Media Center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
However, there is a fine line. By removing the limited protection teams previously had, the NFL risks damaging the long-term integrity of the initiative. There is nothing wrong with hosting games such as Cowboys-Ravens in Brazil or Patriots-Lions in Germany.
But placing more divisional and interconference games at risk of being taken away from home fans — or stripping teams of the ability to keep those games in their own stadiums — creates a much bigger problem.
This may end up being the most puzzling decision the league makes in 2026.
Continue reading...
