This year's NFL season features one of the most significant changes to hit the sport in the last 50 years, having far-reaching effects that will impact the way that teams and players train and compete, and on how fans are able to enjoy the games.
On March 29th, 1977, the NFL made the then-momentous decision to increase the length of the season from 14 to 16 games. For 44 years, that figure of 16 games has remained fixed, but in March 2021, the NFL finally sanctioned another increase, to 17 games, starting with the 2021/22 season.
Team owners and key representatives from the NFLPA have been involved in these discussions on increasing the length of the season for at least a decade. At one point in those discussions, the proposed season length was going to be 18, but that fell by the wayside after pushback from players.
The idea never really went away, however, as owners remained keen to expand the impact of the sport and players remained to be convinced. This has finally happened, thanks to compromises on both sides, the immediate effect of which will be a drastically shorter pre-season.
Off season changes
Fans considering their NFL betting options on sites such as World Sports Network, ahead of the 2021/22 season will have less information to go on thanks to a significant reduction in the run-up to the new campaign.
The additional game in the regular season inevitably increases the physical burden that must be borne by the players, but by cutting the fourth preseason game, players will be taking a step towards a preferable - from their point of view - approach to training and preparation.
Just as many workers have found that their attitude to the workplace has changed thanks to extended periods of working from home, in general, NFL players approved the virtual offseason preparation that preceded the 2020/21 season. The removal of the fourth pre-season game is a player-friendly move that will provide more time for physical recovery and will likely be more focused on acclimation to reduce the occurrence of hamstring and knee injuries.
And the fans? Well, they'll no doubt love it. One less meaningless pre-season outing, and one more regular season game will be a great trade for NFL lovers.
AFC goes first
Accommodating the extra game means that teams will have to play an uneven number of home and away fixtures. Rather than alternate on an individual basis, the NFL has made the decision to let the AFC have nine regular season home fixtures in the first season, with the NFC having nine home games the following season, with the two Conferences alternating thereafter.
The new scheduling formula will feature teams from opposing conferences that finish in the same place within their respective divisions facing off. This should lead to fascinating games such as the upcoming Cowboys-Patriots and Packers-Chiefs clashes in the fall, providing for a new schedule landscape and more opportunities for fans to see their heroes in action.
More international games
Another side effect of the new schedule is that international sports fans should benefit as the new arrangements will lead to four of the teams in the conference that has a home advantage playing a regular season game at an international venue.
Previously, international NFL fans had depended on teams agreeing to surrender a home game, but fans will now be guaranteed to see all 32 NFL franchises across an eight-year period. This readjustment will put the best teams and players center stage in other countries and is a key development that could help the NFL to engage new audiences and secure future growth.
Summary
Of course, change is often regarded with suspicion in sports. Given that it has taken over 40 years to get to this point, we can expect many players and fans to be resistant, at least initially.
Yet one of the clear messages from last season's difficult campaign was that the NFL remains a successful and attractive sports product, in all circumstances, and will easily be strong enough to cope with the requirements of a longer season.
Now, though the spotlight will fall on those who are charged with securing the safety of players. Will they be able to raise their game and take the necessary measures to ensure that the 17-game season doesn't lead to a significant rise in injuries, absences and retirements? As the newly extended season rapidly approaches, all eyes will be on the NFL and on the wellbeing of players.
