Picture this: you’re walking your dog, the sun is shining, and then it hits you – the ultimate plan for the NFL schedule. It’s a moment of clarity that would make even the most die-hard football fan’s heart skip a beat. Isn’t it about time we put our game face on and shake things up a little? This year’s schedule might look like an air traffic controller’s nightmare, spread across six days a week on nine different platforms. So let’s dive into how we can make this iconic sport even better.
First off, let’s talk about extending the regular season to 18 games. We’re four seasons into the 17-game model, and it’s high time we balance the scales. Let’s give every team nine home games, leveling the playing field for all 32 squads. This extra game would see each team facing off against another from the opposite conference, giving fans more of the thrilling inter-conference matchups they crave.
Now, imagine not just one, but two Bills-Lions-like showdowns every season. With 18 games, these teams would have the chance to clash twice, once in Buffalo and once in Detroit. Talk about doubling up on excitement! An 18-game schedule means we add a second bye week, stretching the season to a neat 20 weeks. Start on Labor Day, wrap up in late January, and have the Super Bowl on President’s Day weekend – a perfect lineup.
Speaking of byes, let’s tidy up the current chaos. How about eight teams taking a break each week from Weeks 7 to 14? Each team gets two byes, ensuring they all have a balanced rest period. Imagine, the same eight teams resting in Week 7 and returning on a bye in Week 11, keeping the competition evenly rested and fiercely competitive.
And here’s a thought on style – ditch those restrictive uniform policies. Let teams flaunt their alternates as often as they’d like, whether it’s their iconic colors or a fresh playoff look.
On to scheduling. Let’s keep the excitement high from the get-go. Opening Kickoff Night should always be the Super Bowl champion reenacting their conference championship, if possible. It’s a matchup that gets the adrenaline pumping right through the summer.
Like what we saw with NBC and the Ravens-Chiefs, starting their 2025 season with this kind of intensity sets the stage for a memorable year. Add in “First Friday” games in the U.S. during the first two weeks, mixing predictable quality with a dash of unpredictability on Peacock – delightful for fans who thrive on tradition with a twist.
Now, mark your calendars for Black Friday, because the Bengals, with their passionate fan base, are set to host annually. And why shouldn’t they? Their audacious black jerseys are perfect for the day.
Don’t worry; Thanksgiving is preserved in all its glorious tradition. As for Christmas, how about we bring a slice of Pittsburgh snow and Denver altitude into our homes every year? Picture the Steelers and Broncos hosting annual Christmas showdowns, streaming on Netflix. It’s a holiday classic in the making!
Let’s lean into this wave of enthusiasm and bring a yearly New Year’s Eve contest to the Bills, one of the liveliest and most dedicated fan bases out there. Celebrate as only Bills Mafia can and introduce a thrilling showdown in New Orleans, complete with the mystique of the Superdome.
As the regular season ends and the playoff dream begins, envision a Super Wild Card Weekend showcasing games across six networks. Bring in the drama with Monday night matchups, and set the stage for a divisional round full of network musical chairs, culminating in the grand spectacle of the Conference Championships and, finally, the Super Bowl.
By tweaking a few things, we make sure the magic of football stays fresh and exciting. More games, strategic scheduling, and hyped-up rivalries – it’s everything fans want and more. Let’s embrace the chaos a little, and in true football spirit, say the more thrills, the better.
