The NFL expanded the schedule to include each team playing 17 regular-season games starting in 2021. Many reports have suggested that they are discussing adding another one to make it an 18-game schedule. Mike Florio floated the idea that players may not be permitted to play in all of them, which sparked a ton of reactions around the league.
Player Limits in a Rumored 18-Game Season Spark NFL Reactions
Many around the league believe that it’s inevitable that the NFL schedule will eventually increase to 18 games. What most of them weren’t anticipating was a wild theory Florio threw out. He suggested that if the league were to add a game, players might be capped at 17 games, requiring them to sit out at least once during the regular season.
“Fascinating wrinkle floated here,” responded Underdog’s Josh Norris.
Fascinating wrinkle floated here
NFL might get an 18 game season, but every player limited to playing a maximum of 17 games
(not QBs or ST) https://t.co/GejlBflMvu
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) March 20, 2026
The length of the schedule, as well as Florio’s theory, would both have to be collectively bargained in league meetings between the players’ union and the NFL owners. Some believe that these negotiations will be one-sided.
“The NFLPA is the most toothless union in sports. The owners get everything and anything they want,” stated FSWA award winner Brian Drake.
The NFLPA is the most toothless union in sports. The owners get everything and anything they want. If they want to play two games a week, they’ll get it passed.
— Brian Drake (@DrakeFantasy) March 20, 2026
Some have blamed Roger Goodell for allegedly considering this as a realistic solution to his desired expansion. Many have pushed back against the commissioner, frustrated by the proposed concept.
“Roger Goodell trying his best to cement himself as the worst commissioner of all time,” said respected analyst Walter Football.
Roger Goodell trying his best to cement himself as the worst commissioner of all time https://t.co/DioWaRPTSq
— WalterFootball (@walterfootball) March 20, 2026
Others around the league pointed out the issues with this idea from another perspective in one of the most popular branches of professional football. Forcing players to sit out games throughout the season would be a major twist to the fantasy football world.
“Fantasy Football nightmare fuel,” added fantasy football analyst JJ Zachariason.
Fantasy football nightmare fuel. https://t.co/UDn8AAz1RD
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) March 20, 2026
Many fans tune in to the games with more of an interest in the fantasy football perspective than in the result of the actual game. If one of their star players is inactive due to the theoretical game limit, it could deter them from participating.
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“If their lust for more games leads to random deactivations of fantasy stars on Sunday mornings, they will seriously damage that hobby for casuals, which would be the biggest misstep yet,” replied another analyst, Ben Gretch.
The NFL has always fundamentally misunderstood why it is such a cash cow, but if their lust for more games leads to random deactivations of fantasy stars on Sunday mornings, they will seriously damage that hobby for casuals, which would be the biggest misstep yet. https://t.co/y6l0uGcW5H
— Ben Gretch (@YardsPerGretch) March 20, 2026
It’s important to note that most players miss games throughout a season due to injuries and other factors. If they were forced to sit out even when they are healthy and capable of playing, the proposed NFL schedule change would likely spark massive frustration around the league.
