Roger Goodell hints at 18-game NFL schedule, later Super Bowl

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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he would replace a preseason game with a regular-season contest “any day” while discussing potential changes to the league schedule.

Goodell even floated the idea of an 18-game regular season and a shortened preseason during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” from Detroit — which is home to the 2024 NFL Draft.

“I think we’re good at 17 games now, but listen, we’re always looking at how we continue,” Goodell said when McAfee asked if there’s a plan to continue to expand the number of games played in a single season or add another bye week to expand exposure.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” live from Detroit
ahead of Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft on April 26, 2024. X/Pat McAfee Show

“I’m not a fan of the preseason. I don’t think we need preseason. … I just don’t buy it and I don’t think these guys [the fans] like it either.

“… But, the reality is, I’d rather replace a preseason game with a regular season game any day. That’s just picking quality, right. So, if we got to 18 (regular season) and two (preseason) games, that’s not an unreasonable thing.”

Goodell even went as far as suggesting an eventual 18-game schedule with Super Bowl weekend falling on Presidents’ Day weekend, resulting in many fans having the Monday off of work after the big game.

Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Expanding the schedule results in more money for the NFL, largely in part due to television revenue and ticket sales.

Preseason tickets go for half the price of regular season tickets, Goodell said.

The NFL has gradually expanded its schedule since 2020, when the league went from 12 playoff teams to 14, which added two additional postseason games.

The next year, the league increased the schedule from 16 regular-season games to 17.

Goodell went on to explain that the NFL is leaning more on replay assist technology this coming season amid a larger conversation about officiating across multiple leagues.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images
Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball ahead of Mike Danna #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images

The commissioner’s comments came on the same day the NFL announced players will be allowed to wear Guardian Caps — padded soft shells worn over football helmets — in games this season.

Players at positions wearing the caps have seen a 52 percent decrease in concussions, according to the league.

The 2024 NFL schedule has yet to be released.

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