Full Breakdown
NFL Plans Scheduling Changes Amid Potential Expansion to 18 Games
4/15/2026, 2:37:43 AM
Overview of Scheduling Changes
The National Football League (NFL) is considering significant adjustments to its scheduling formula as it contemplates expanding the regular season from 17 to 18 games. Mike North, the NFL's vice president of broadcast planning, announced that if the league maintains the 17-game schedule, a revised scheduling formula will be implemented after the 2028 season. This change is designed to address competitive imbalances created by the current rotation system.
Current Scheduling Formula
Since the introduction of the 17th game in 2021, the NFL has utilized a rotation system based on the previous year's standings. Each division's first-place team faces a first-place team from an opposing conference division that they are not scheduled to play that season. This system continues for second, third, and fourth-place teams, with the home conference rotating annually. For example, the AFC East teams have faced the NFC East at home in 2021 and 2025, while playing away games against the NFC West in 2022 and 2026.
Proposed Changes Post-2028
Under the proposed changes, starting in the 2029 season, the scheduling rotation will flip, allowing the AFC East to play at the NFC East instead of hosting them. This adjustment means that NFC teams will benefit from nine home games in both the 2028 and 2029 seasons. North explained that this change was planned to ensure a more equitable distribution of home and away games across the league.
Future of the NFL Schedule
While the NFL is preparing for these changes, the potential expansion to an 18-game schedule looms. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones indicated that the league is likely to implement this expansion, possibly as early as 2028, but it could be delayed until 2031 if negotiations with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) do not progress. If the expansion is postponed, the NFL will proceed with the revised 17-game scheduling formula until the transition to 18 games occurs.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the current scheduling system argue that the existing rotation creates competitive disparities, particularly for teams that face more challenging away games. The proposed changes aim to mitigate these concerns, but some stakeholders remain skeptical about the fairness of the new formula.
Official Statements
Mike North stated, "After the 2028 season, that'll be eight years through, so you will have played every division in the other conference twice. It'll flip." He emphasized that the adjustments are intended to create a more balanced competitive environment within the league.
What's Next
As the NFL navigates these scheduling changes, discussions regarding the potential expansion to an 18-game season will continue. The league's ability to finalize these plans will depend on successful negotiations with the NFLPA and the overall reception from teams and fans alike.
