If you’re a fan of American football, you’ve probably wondered just how many NFL games are played each season. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think! The NFL season is packed with action, drama, and surprises, making it one of the most thrilling sports leagues in the world. Let’s break it down to understand the structure, the games, and the overall excitement of the NFL season.
Structure of the NFL Season
Regular Season Games
The NFL regular season typically consists of 17 games per team, which is a significant change from the previous 16-game format. Each NFL season runs for 18 weeks, starting in early September and concluding in early January. Each team plays once a week, and most games are held on Sundays, with a few Monday night and Thursday night games sprinkled in.
Preseason Games Overview
Before the regular season kicks off, teams participate in the preseason, which usually features three games. The preseason serves as a crucial time for teams to evaluate their rosters, especially rookies and lesser-known players. Coaches experiment with different lineups and strategies, and fans get a sneak peek at what their favorite teams might look like for the upcoming season.
The Importance of Postseason
After the regular season, the postseason begins, leading to the Super Bowl. The playoffs feature 14 teams, with seven from the AFC (American Football Conference) and seven from the NFC (National Football Conference). The postseason consists of three rounds: the Wild Card Round, Divisional Round, and Conference Championships, culminating in the Super Bowl. This playoff structure creates a thrilling finale to the season, with the best teams competing for the championship title.
Breakdown of the Regular Season
How Many Weeks Are in the Regular Season?
As mentioned earlier, the regular season spans 18 weeks. Each team has one week off during the season, commonly referred to as a bye week. This allows players to recover and provides a strategic advantage as they gear up for the final stretch of games.
NFL Regular Season Games by Year
| Season(s) | Number of Regular Season Games per Team |
| 1935–1936 | 12 games |
| 1937–1942 | 11 games (12 weeks) |
| 1943–1945 | 10 games (12 weeks) |
| 1946 | 11 games (12 weeks) |
| 1947–1960 | 12 games (variable weeks) |
| 1961–1965 | 14 games (14 weeks) |
| 1966 | 14 games (15 weeks, odd number of teams) |
| 1967–1977 | 14 games (14 weeks) |
| 1978–1981 | 16 games (16 weeks) |
| 1982 | 9 games (17 weeks, strike) |
| 1983–1986 | 16 games (16 weeks) |
| 1987 | 15 games (16 weeks, strike) |
| 1988–1989 | 16 games (16 weeks) |
| 1990–1992 | 16 games (17 weeks) |
| 1993 | 16 games (18 weeks, additional bye week) |
| 1994–2000 | 16 games (17 weeks) |
| 2001 | 16 games (18 weeks, September 11 attacks) |
| 2002–2020 | 16 games (17 weeks) |
| 2021–present | 17 games (18 weeks) |
Team Bye Weeks Explained
Bye weeks are essential in the NFL. They offer teams a chance to rest players, especially those dealing with minor injuries, and to prepare for the upcoming weeks. The scheduling of bye weeks can impact team performance significantly. A well-timed bye can give a team the rest they need, while an ill-timed one can disrupt momentum.
Preseason Details
How Long Is the Preseason?
The preseason generally lasts three weeks, although teams will play four games in a typical season. However, this has changed recently due to the introduction of a 17-game regular season. The NFL’s decision to reduce the number of preseason games allows players to prepare for the regular season without the risk of injury during extra games.
Changes to Preseason in Recent Years
In recent years, the NFL has made several adjustments to the preseason. In 2021, the NFL moved to a three-game preseason after expanding the regular season to 17 games. This change was largely aimed at minimizing the risk of injury while still allowing teams to evaluate talent before the crucial regular season begins.
Postseason and Playoffs
How Many Teams Make the Playoffs?
As previously noted, 14 teams make it to the playoffs: seven from each conference. This format has changed over the years, expanding from the traditional 12-team setup, allowing for more competition and excitement in the postseason.
The Road to the Super Bowl
The journey to the Super Bowl is filled with high stakes and nail-biting moments. The playoffs are structured to reward the best-performing teams during the regular season with home-field advantages. The top seeds get a bye in the Wild Card round, making the competition even more intense. The two conference champions then meet in the Super Bowl, which is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, drawing millions of viewers.
NFL’s Expanded Regular Season
Recent Expansion to 17 Games
In 2021, the NFL made headlines by expanding the regular season from 16 games to 17 games per team. This change was a monumental shift in how the league operates and has implications for player health, team strategy, and fan engagement.
Impact of 17-Game Season on Players
The decision to add an additional game means more wear and tear on players. Teams must manage player health and stamina more carefully, especially for key positions like running backs and linebackers. Additionally, coaching staff need to adjust their strategies to cope with the increased number of games, keeping players fresh and ready for the long haul.
Overview of the NFL Regular Season
- The NFL regular season begins the weekend after Labor Day and concludes in early January.
- It comprises 272 games, with each of the 32 teams playing 17 games over 18 weeks, including one bye week.
Game Scheduling
- Weekly Game Slots
- Thursday Night Games: First game of the week, usually at 8:15 PM (ET), except for the kickoff and Thanksgiving games at 8:20 PM.
- Sunday Games: Majority occur at 1 PM (ET), with late afternoon games at 4:05 or 4:25 PM (ET) and a Sunday night game at 8:20 PM (ET).
- Monday Night Games: Typically at 8:15 PM (ET), with possible 7:30 PM or 9 PM starts if two games are scheduled.
- Special Games: Occasional Saturday games, Thanksgiving Day games, and the recent addition of a Black Friday game.
Broadcasting Rights
- Current Broadcasting Contract (since 2006)
- Sunday Afternoon Games: Broadcast on CBS (AFC teams) or Fox (NFC teams), with local markets showing three games.
- Prime Time Games:
- Thursday Night: Amazon Prime Video (excluding NFL Kickoff and Thanksgiving night games).
- Sunday Night: NBC.
- Monday Night: ESPN/ABC.
- Black Friday: Prime Video.
Scheduling Algorithm
- The NFL employs a strict algorithm to determine matchups based on division alignments and previous season standings.
- Each team plays:
- Its own division rivals twice (home and away).
- All four teams from one AFC division and one NFC division once each.
- Two additional intraconference games and one interconference game.
Here’s a summary on how many NFL games are played per season:
How Many NFL Games Are Played Per Season?
The number of games played in an NFL season has varied significantly throughout the league’s history.
- Early Years (1935–1945):
- The NFL began with 12 games in 1935, but this dropped to as few as 10 games during World War II.
- Post-War Era (1946–1960): After the war, the schedule stabilized, with teams generally playing 12 games.
- 1960s Expansion: In 1961, the league expanded the season to 14 games, a format that remained until 1977.
- 1978 Changes: The NFL introduced a 16-game schedule, which became the standard for over four decades, aside from a few strike years.
- Recent Years (1982–2020): During strikes, teams played fewer games, such as 9 in 1982 and 15 in 1987. However, the 16-game format persisted from 1990 to 2020.
- Current Format (2021–present): The NFL transitioned to a 17-game regular season starting in 2021, extending the season to 18 weeks with each team having one bye week.
International NFL Games
International Games and Global Appeal
The NFL has made significant strides in expanding its global footprint. In recent years, the league has held regular-season games in countries like the United Kingdom and Mexico, which has sparked interest and excitement among international fans.
How Many Games Are Played Overseas?
Typically, the NFL schedules one to three international games each season. These games not only provide fans overseas with the opportunity to experience live NFL action but also serve as a platform for the league to grow its fanbase globally.
Flex Scheduling
What Is Flex Scheduling?
Flex scheduling is a strategy employed by the NFL to enhance the viewing experience for fans. It allows the league to change game times in the latter part of the season to feature the most competitive matchups.
Impact on Primetime Games
With flex scheduling, teams that are performing well late in the season may find their games moved to prime-time slots, maximizing viewership. This strategy keeps the games exciting and ensures that fans are tuned in to watch the best teams compete for playoff positions.
Conclusion How Many NFL Games Are Played Per Season?
Wrapping It Up: NFL Games Per Season
In summary, the NFL season is packed with action, featuring a total of 17 regular-season games per team, three preseason games, and a 14-team playoff structure. With the introduction of international games and flex scheduling, the league continues to grow and adapt, bringing the excitement of football to fans all around the globe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the NFL offers an electrifying experience that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
FAQs
1. How many games are in the NFL preseason?
The NFL preseason typically consists of three games per team as of the 2021 season.
2. How many teams make the NFL playoffs?
14 teams qualify for the playoffs each season—seven from the AFC and seven from the NFC.
3. When does the NFL regular season start and end?
The regular season usually starts in early September and concludes in early January.
4. What is flex scheduling in the NFL?
Flex scheduling allows the NFL to change game times in the latter part of the season to feature the most competitive matchups.
5. How many international games does the NFL play each season?
Typically, the NFL schedules one to three international games each season, expanding its global reach and fan base.
