Joe Flacco Raises Concerns Over NFL's Potential 18-Game Schedule Expansion
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco recently expressed strong opposition to the NFL's potential plan to expand the regular season to 18 games. In an interview with Front Office Sports, Flacco outlined two main reasons for his apprehension regarding this change. Reason 1: Impact on Playoff Quality Flacco believes that adding an extra game could significantly harm the quality of the playoffs. He highlighted the risk of increased injuries, stating, "When you put guys through an 18-game regular season, the playoffs start to suffer. Teams may enter the postseason beat up, leading to matches where players perform at only 75 percent capacity. This results in a less competitive environment, diminishing the excitement of the playoffs." He further emphasized that the NFL playoffs thrive on having the best players at full strength, noting, "Injuries are part of football, but by the time we get to the playoffs, you want to see each team at top strength." Flacco also referenced the last two Super Bowls, which he described as lacking competitiveness, suggesting this trend may be exacerbated by an expanded schedule. Reason 2: Financial Implications for Players While some argue that an extra game would lead to increased revenue and higher player salaries, Flacco countered this notion. He explained, "The revenue will go up, but it usually benefits only two or three players, not the entire roster. Most players won't see significant pay increases." Additionally, Flacco warned of the potential for the NFL to pursue even more games if the 18-game format proves financially successful, questioning, "What happens when we go to 18? Are they going to want 20?" Despite his concerns, Flacco acknowledged the likelihood of the 18-game schedule becoming a reality, stating, "It looks like we're probably eventually going to play 18 games, and we'll just have to do it." His insights highlight critical issues surrounding player safety and the integrity of the game amid potential changes.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-17