How Many Regular Season Football Games in the NFL?

By Sarah Miller · August 26, 2045

The NFL regular season currently consists of 17 games for each team, a format that has been in place since the 2021 season. This replaced the previous 16-game schedule and is part of an expanded 18-week season, with one designated 'bye' week per team.

Understanding the NFL Regular Season Structure

The National Football League (NFL) regular season is the foundation of the annual competition leading up to the Super Bowl. Since 2021, each of the league's 32 teams plays 17 regular-season games over an 18-week period, meaning every team has one week off (a 'bye') during the season.

Key Features of the 17-Game Season

Each team plays 17 games over 18 weeks, with one bye week.
The additional game was introduced in 2021 as part of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The 17th game features inter-conference matchups based on previous season standings.
Teams still play 6 divisional games (home and away against each of the other 3 teams in their division).
They play 4 games against one entire division from their own conference.
Another 4 games against one entire division from the opposite conference.
The remaining 2 games are against teams from the two remaining divisions in their own conference that finished in the same position in the previous season.

Historical Evolution of the NFL Regular Season

The NFL regular season has undergone several expansions since the league's inception. The growth reflects increasing popularity, revenue opportunities, and player contracts influenced by the players' union.

Milestones in Season Length

1920–1935: Seasons ranged from 4 to 13 games.
1936–1946: 11-game schedule.
1947–1960: 12 games.
1961–1977: Expanded to 14 games.
1978–2020: 16-game season with an 8-team playoff format.
2021–present: 17-game regular season with a 14-team playoff format.

Season Year	Games Per Team	Total Games	Weeks	Bye Weeks	Playoff Teams
1978–2001	16	256	17	No	10
2002–2019	16	256	17	No	12
2020	16	256	17	No	14
2021–2024	17	272	18	Yes	14

Table data source:1, 2

The shift from 16 to 17 games increased total regular-season matchups from 256 to 272 annually. The addition of a structured bye week helps manage player workload despite the extra game. The expansion was tied to the 2020 CBA, which also extended the playoff field to 14 teams.

Impact of the 17-Game Season

The change to a 17-game season has had wide-ranging effects across the league.

Player Health and Safety

With an additional game, concerns about player fatigue and long-term health have increased. However, the universal bye week and enhanced roster rules aim to mitigate injury risks. Teams now use sports science and load management more strategically.

Revenue and Broadcast Implications

The extra game generates significant additional revenue through broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and merchandise. Networks like CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and Amazon Prime pay billions for broadcast rights, with the 17th game often featured as a marquee matchup.

Scheduling Complexity

The NFL uses advanced algorithms to create the schedule, balancing competitive fairness, travel logistics, and television appeal. The 17th game adds complexity, as it matches teams based on prior-year rankings across conferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About NFL Regular Season Games

How many games are in an NFL regular season?

Each NFL team plays 17 regular-season games over an 18-week period, a format that began in the 2021 season.

Why did the NFL go from 16 to 17 games?

The NFL expanded to 17 games in 2021 as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to increase revenue and provide more content for fans and broadcasters, while maintaining player safety through scheduled bye weeks.

How many weeks is the NFL regular season?

The NFL regular season spans 18 weeks, with each team playing 17 games and having one bye week.

Do all NFL teams play 17 games?

Yes, since 2021, all 32 NFL teams play exactly 17 regular-season games each year.

Has the NFL always played 17 games?

No, the 17-game season started in 2021. Before that, teams played 16 games from 1978 to 2020. The league has gradually expanded the schedule over decades.

How are the 17 NFL regular-season games determined?

Each team plays 6 divisional games, 4 games against one AFC or NFC division, 4 games against one opposing conference division, and 2 intraconference games based on prior-year standings. The 17th game is an interconference matchup between teams with the same standing from the previous season.