NFL stares down the new seventeen game season

For the first time in NFL history, we have a 17 regular season games instead of 16.

Early in the season we heard from players about their stance against the added game. Many interviews showed the disappointment in the NFL Players Association for failing to stop the addition of an extra game.

Most players stated how hard the previous sixteen game season was on the body, and how the addition of another regular season game could lead to more injuries than ever before.

The new labor deal between the NFL owners and NFLPA made it so instead of four preseason games and 16 regular season games, there are now three and 17 respectively. The implications of this extended season have impacted players, fans, owners and records, but for the first time we’re seeing the effect on the actual playoff contentious teams.

Players were not enthusiastic about the extra regular season game for the previously mentioned injury concerns but also because it takes away a plethora of opportunities for bubble players to prove they deserve to make an NFL roster. The preseason is where these players on the cusp of getting cut or making their dream come true prove they have the talent to play on the gridiron. However, the loss of a preseason game chops a lot of opportunities for these players to prove themselves.

Fans of course love the addition of another regular season game because it means another meaningful week of football.

The owners will be making more money than ever with another regular season game to sell tickets, merchandise and other means of revenue. The addition of another regular season game means a lot of single season records will be broken (look at the numbers Ja’Marr Chase is on pace to put up or the numbers Derrick Henry was on his way to before the injury).

The biggest issue with the addition of another regular season game is the playoff implications for teams. Before, a record of 10-6 would usually guarantee you a spot in the playoffs. Fans and talking heads initially believed teams would now need a record of 11-5 to get into the playoffs, but people were wrong. Now over halfway through the first 17 game season, teams are getting more breathing room to make mistakes.

The last few weeks have been home to some incredible upsets.

Examples include the Buccaneers falling at the hands of the Washington Football Team, or the newly constructed Rams getting blown out by a banged up and disappointing 49ers roster.

At this point in the season, most division leaders are only up one game on their competition. Teams in the hunt for a playoff spot are sitting at a 4-5 or even 3-6 record right now. There were concerns and excitement regarding the extra regular season game this season.

We are just now we are seeing the true implications of an extra game: an extra chance to sneak into the playoffs.