Should the NFL expand to 18 regular season games?

[Tailback U]

Not to mention that an 18 game season takes away a little importance from each game. Losing 5-6 games won't be such a big deal. We'll get used to seeing teams losing 8-9-10 times a year and still making the playoffs, which means, losing games early on won't mean as much. The first quarter of the season won't mean shit.

 

[ralaw]

Not to mention that an 18 game season takes away a little importance from each game. Losing 5-6 games won't be such a big deal. We'll get used to seeing teams losing 8-9-10 times a year and still making the playoffs, which means, losing games early on won't mean as much. The first quarter of the season won't mean shit.

Wouldn't the win/loss ratio just go up together? So, instead of a team generally needing 9-10 wins to get in the playoffs it'll now probably be 11-12 wins. Its not as if the league is going to add 10 games. Adding two games isn't going to all of a sudden make the early games meaningless. The only way games become meaningless is if they expand the amount of playoff teams. This isn't the NBA where there are 82 games and half the league makes the playoffs.

 

[Aso]

Well you can argue to a point the games are already meaningless early in the season. Perfect example is the Chargers under the Norv Turner era, the Broncos last year, the Vikings from 2003 I believe it was. I think this will only take that just a little bit further.

 

[ralaw]

Well you can argue to a point the games are already meaningless early in the season. Perfect example is the Chargers under the Norv Turner era, the Broncos last year, the Vikings from 2003 I believe it was. I think this will only take that just a little bit further.

If that's the argument than the NFL should go to a BCS system.

So far (other than the argument of low level players being able to prove themsleves in game action) the arguments against a 2 preseason/18 game schedule could fit with a 4 preseason/16 game schedule, but I don't hear people saying the league should reduce the number of games.

 

[Aso]

Just to take a look at things under an 18 game schedule:

7 wins - .388
8 wins - .444
9 wins - .500
10 wins - .556
11 wins - .611


Under 16 games:

6 wins - .375
7 wins - .4375
8 wins - .500
9 wins - .5625
10 wins - .625


If you go by percentages though it looks like maybe ralaw would right. It would take more wins to get into the playoffs? I guess we'll have to wait and see.


Also the '72 Dolphins get to keep 'popping the champagne' because god knows no team will ever go 21 and 0.

 

[ram29jackson]

Expanding will create numerous problems and will open the door to another 2 team expansion the NFL does not in any way need for continued success.




I disagree, we still need a team in L.A. damnit : )

 

[ram29jackson]

Also the '72 Dolphins get to keep 'popping the champagne' because god knows no team will ever go 21 and 0.




i wouldnt bet my life on it. I consider it very possible. i would hate to see it, but its not unrealistic by any stretch.

 

[mgoblue2290]

If that's the argument than the NFL should go to a BCS system.

So far (other than the argument of low level players being able to prove themsleves in game action) the arguments against a 2 preseason/18 game schedule could fit with a 4 preseason/16 game schedule, but I don't hear people saying the league should reduce the number of games.

Its the level of play that would exist in the extra 2 regular season games that would cause problems. The only guys going all out in the preseason are guys fighting for a roster spot. Taking away 2 preseason games and adding 2 regular season games increases the toll on the starter's bodies. It will also lead to teams doing more substitutions and in turn lower quality football.

Somebody else already said it, but the preseason is someone important in that teams are getting their chemistry back. If it was only 2 preseason games than, as stated earlier, those first few regular season games would not be pretty.

 

[Warner2BruceTD]

There would be no noticable drop in play early season, but I'm sure everyone will be like "ZOMG, did you see that dropped pass? Its the shortened preseason!", and other similar overreactions.

You would see a drop in play at the end, when teams are no longer motivated, starters are on IR, and teams are looking at backups. You know, exactly how it is now.

This thread is silly. You would all get used to it, and most of these "problems" would go unnoticed or cease to exist.

 

[Fox1994]

If that's the argument than the NFL should go to a BCS system.

So far (other than the argument of low level players being able to prove themselves in game action) the arguments against a 2 preseason/18 game schedule could fit with a 4 preseason/16 game schedule, but I don't hear people saying the league should reduce the number of games.

I'll say it. We should reduce the number of games back to 14. But keep four preseason, instead of going back to 6.

Just to take a look at things under an 18 game schedule:

7 wins - .388
8 wins - .444
9 wins - .500
10 wins - .556
11 wins - .611


Under 16 games:

6 wins - .375
7 wins - .4375
8 wins - .500
9 wins - .5625
10 wins - .625


If you go by percentages though it looks like maybe ralaw would right. It would take more wins to get into the playoffs? I guess we'll have to wait and see.


Also the '72 Dolphins get to keep 'popping the champagne' because god knows no team will ever go 21 and 0.

At least that's a plus. :2thumbs:

There would be no noticable drop in play early season, but I'm sure everyone will be like "ZOMG, did you see that dropped pass? Its the shortened preseason!", and other similar overreactions.

You would see a drop in play at the end, when teams are no longer motivated, starters are on IR, and teams are looking at backups. You know, exactly how it is now.

This thread is silly. You would all get used to it, and most of these "problems" would go unnoticed or cease to exist.

Yes, we would get used to it. That doesn't mean we have to like it now when it hasn't even happened yet. Are we not entitled to gripe now while the griping's good? lol

 

[packersfan4eva]

No....no.....no....no....

The preseason is a time for coaches to test players, schemes, formations, etc. Two games won't be enough for coaches and players to get a feel for their offense and defense.

 

[ram29jackson]

No....no.....no....no....

The preseason is a time for coaches to test players, schemes, formations, etc. Two games won't be enough for coaches and players to get a feel for their offense and defense.

thanks to free agency , playbooks are dumbed down anyway