Overview
- A new fan survey of New England Patriots supporters found only 44% in favor of adding an 18th regular-season game.
- Patriots owner Robert Kraft backed exploring 18 games at last week’s league meetings, pitching a second bye week, fewer preseason games, and one overseas game for every team.
- An anonymous NFL coach warned an 18-game slate would “water down the product” by lowering each game’s weight and encouraging more rest days for players.
- An NFL agent said most players would oppose the change, that many struggle to finish 17 games, and that owners would need to pay far more to secure agreement.
- The NFL moved from 16 to 17 games in 2021, and insiders stress the league cannot add another game without player sign-off.