The NFL released its annual schedule. Teams, both rebuilding and playoff-caliber franchises, now know what to expect from the slate of games. The league seemingly slipped in a slight change to the international schedule. Social media buzzed regarding the difference they see.
NFL’s Scheduling of Divisional Games Internationally Irks Fans on Social Media
While international games have become part of the NFL’s annual schedule, this season sees two of the nine games with divisional implications. Fans took to social media to vent their frustration with the league taking those games out of the country.
Probably the worse thing to happen to NFL logistics in recent years
Youre taking away home field advantage when teams need it most- divisional play
With 17 games you could easily schedule a non divisional international game while still giving every team 8 home games
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) May 13, 2026
“Probably the worse thing to happen to NFL logistics in recent years You’re taking away home-field advantage when teams need it most- divisional play. With 17 games, you could easily schedule a non-divisional international game while still giving every team 8 home games,” wrote one fan on social media.
Home-field advantage, while not a quantifiable aspect of the game, still affects outcomes. For example, a home crowd during a divisional contest sets a backdrop of thunderous applause and cheering. Players and coaches often mention feeding off the crowd. In contrast, a divisional rival can expect its offense to work under the loud noise of booing that can cause false starts and penalties.
Normally, people have regarded international games as ones that count but may not impact the battle within a division. Now, players will have the extra stress of long travel and what amounts to a must-win if they hope to see the playoffs.
As if traveling and playing internationally wasn’t hell enough for players
Taking away divisional home games is a war crime
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) May 13, 2026
“As if traveling and playing internationally wasn’t hell enough for players. Taking away divisional home games is a war crime,” stressed another fan.
While the NFL may see a lucrative market for international divisional games, it’s the stateside fans who miss out on the chance to see one of the three home games against a team that stands in the way of the playoffs.
Am I the only one who thinks division games should NOT be international
I get it there’s a high market with them but still
Keeps these games in their respected stadiums
— Crumbletakes (@Crumbletakes) May 13, 2026
“Am I the only one who thinks division games should NOT be international. I get it, there’s a high market with them, but still. Keeps these games in their respective stadiums.”
Granted, international games bring the NFL back onto the world stage, helping to expand the game. Yet, travel to an international game is not something many fans can afford. Some believe that those who cannot afford to spend the money are paying for the league’s global efforts.
Traditionally, divisional games consist of playing at home, then venturing to a hostile environment. Winning both of those games will give a franchise an important tiebreaker: head-to-head. With that in their favor, the team on the losing end will need to win more and hope for a loss, effectively taking their fate out of their hands and depending on another team to lose.
Divisional games should be played home and home. Why does Roger Goodell hate the fans
— Nick Henry (@Nhenry412) May 13, 2026
“Divisional games should be played home and home. Why does Roger Goodell hate the fans?
Goodell is a lightning rod of controversy for many. At the annual draft, when he takes to the podium, fans, regardless of the event’s location, will loudly boo him just about every time he walks on stage.
Will the international division trend continue, and how will that affect future schedules if it becomes a success? For example, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have played 213 times since November 27, 1921. Would the league ever consider shifting one of those games, and how intense would the fallout be?
