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The NFL offseason has brought sweeping changes across the league. Not only to rosters, coaching staffs, and front offices, but also to the league’s long-term plans. Recently, the NFL finalized future locations for the Super Bowl and NFL Draft. Now, attention has shifted back to one of the league’s most controversial ideas: expanding the regular season to 18 games.
The push for an 18-game schedule has divided fans, players, and analysts alike. Several ideas have surfaced to help accommodate the expansion. However, the NFLPA has made it clear that players have little interest in approving the owners’ proposal. Still, that has not stopped the league from continuing to explore the possibility.
MORE: Ranking the most vulnerable NFL division champs
Recent reports suggest the NFL likely will not expand to 18 games by 2027. However, the league also reportedly will not finalize the location for Super Bowl LXII. That is, until it determines whether the schedule expansion will happen. The NFL should avoid moving to an 18-game season for several reasons. If the league wants to add another week of football, though, there is a much simpler solution: add a second bye week.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks chairman Jody Allen (right) is handed the Vince Lombardi trophy by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on the podium after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One proposal tied to an 18-game schedule already includes an additional bye week for each team. The NFL should implement that idea regardless of whether the season expands. A second bye week benefits players physically and mentally. It would also create another full week of NFL content the league could monetize.
An additional bye week would also open the door for expanded scheduling opportunities. More weeks in the regular-season calendar would create additional broadcasting inventory and likely increase competition for television and streaming rights packages. A second bye week would give both the NFL and NFLPA a win without forcing players into an unnecessary 18th game.
It would also push Super Bowl weekend into Presidents Day weekend, effectively creating a built-in “day after the Super Bowl” holiday for many Americans. In theory, that could increase viewership among fans who might otherwise skip the game because of work or school obligations the next morning.
MORE: 10 NFL franchises we’re rooting to bounce back in 2026
Keeping the schedule at 17 games would also allow the NFL to preserve its three-game preseason format. Those preseason games remain critical for roster-bubble players fighting to earn a spot. Eliminating one of those opportunities simply to squeeze in another regular-season game — and then adding a second bye week anyway — would hurt player development and depth across the league.
Nov 15, 2025; Madrid, Spain; The Washington Commanders logo and images of Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) and safety Jeremy Reaves (39) at Bernabeu Stadium, the site of the 2025 NFL Madrid Game between the Commanders and the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A second bye week would also create more flexibility for what the NFL clearly wants to expand most: the International Series. The league recognizes the growing power of its worldwide brand, and interest from international markets continues to rise. An extra week in the schedule would make it easier to accommodate overseas games. This ensures every team gets a fair opportunity to participate each season.
At the end of the day, the NFL will likely continue pushing for an 18-game schedule. Eventually, the NFLPA will relent. Still, the league already has the framework for a more practical compromise: a second bye week. The NFL simply seems unwilling to pursue it, even though it could still generate significant revenue without adding another regular-season game.
Should the NFL scrap the idea of an 18-game season? And instead, add a second bye week to the regular season? Or should the league continue pushing forward with expansion?
Continue reading...
The push for an 18-game schedule has divided fans, players, and analysts alike. Several ideas have surfaced to help accommodate the expansion. However, the NFLPA has made it clear that players have little interest in approving the owners’ proposal. Still, that has not stopped the league from continuing to explore the possibility.
MORE: Ranking the most vulnerable NFL division champs
Recent reports suggest the NFL likely will not expand to 18 games by 2027. However, the league also reportedly will not finalize the location for Super Bowl LXII. That is, until it determines whether the schedule expansion will happen. The NFL should avoid moving to an 18-game season for several reasons. If the league wants to add another week of football, though, there is a much simpler solution: add a second bye week.
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Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks chairman Jody Allen (right) is handed the Vince Lombardi trophy by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on the podium after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One proposal tied to an 18-game schedule already includes an additional bye week for each team. The NFL should implement that idea regardless of whether the season expands. A second bye week benefits players physically and mentally. It would also create another full week of NFL content the league could monetize.
A simple solution (for now)
An additional bye week would also open the door for expanded scheduling opportunities. More weeks in the regular-season calendar would create additional broadcasting inventory and likely increase competition for television and streaming rights packages. A second bye week would give both the NFL and NFLPA a win without forcing players into an unnecessary 18th game.
It would also push Super Bowl weekend into Presidents Day weekend, effectively creating a built-in “day after the Super Bowl” holiday for many Americans. In theory, that could increase viewership among fans who might otherwise skip the game because of work or school obligations the next morning.
MORE: 10 NFL franchises we’re rooting to bounce back in 2026
Keeping the schedule at 17 games would also allow the NFL to preserve its three-game preseason format. Those preseason games remain critical for roster-bubble players fighting to earn a spot. Eliminating one of those opportunities simply to squeeze in another regular-season game — and then adding a second bye week anyway — would hurt player development and depth across the league.
You must be registered for see images attach
Nov 15, 2025; Madrid, Spain; The Washington Commanders logo and images of Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) and safety Jeremy Reaves (39) at Bernabeu Stadium, the site of the 2025 NFL Madrid Game between the Commanders and the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A second bye week would also create more flexibility for what the NFL clearly wants to expand most: the International Series. The league recognizes the growing power of its worldwide brand, and interest from international markets continues to rise. An extra week in the schedule would make it easier to accommodate overseas games. This ensures every team gets a fair opportunity to participate each season.
At the end of the day, the NFL will likely continue pushing for an 18-game schedule. Eventually, the NFLPA will relent. Still, the league already has the framework for a more practical compromise: a second bye week. The NFL simply seems unwilling to pursue it, even though it could still generate significant revenue without adding another regular-season game.
Should the NFL scrap the idea of an 18-game season? And instead, add a second bye week to the regular season? Or should the league continue pushing forward with expansion?
Continue reading...
