If you’re a football fan, you might wonder how many games in NFL season there are and how the schedule impacts players, teams, and fans alike. The NFL season is packed with excitement, from regular-season matchups to playoffs and the Super Bowl. Understanding the structure of the season helps fans plan, follow their favorite teams, and stay engaged throughout the year. In this guide, Csportz breaks down the entire NFL season, including regular-season games, playoffs, scheduling quirks, and how recent changes have influenced the number of games each team plays.
How Many Games in NFL Season: Regular Season Explained
The NFL regular season is the foundation of the league, and it determines playoff eligibility. As of 2025:
- Each NFL team plays 17 regular-season games.
- Teams also have 3 bye weeks over the course of the season.
- Games are spread across 18 weeks, giving players time to rest and recover.
The league’s expansion from 16 to 17 games per team in 2021 aimed to increase revenue while maintaining player safety. Fans can expect high-intensity matchups almost every week, and the extra game adds more drama to playoff races.
NFL Playoffs: How Many Additional Games?
After the regular season, top teams enter the playoffs, which determine who reaches the Super Bowl. The playoff structure includes:
- Wild Card Round – 6 games (3 per conference).
- Divisional Round – 4 games.
- Conference Championships – 2 games.
- Super Bowl – 1 game.
Depending on a team’s success, a single NFL team can play up to 22 games in a season if they reach the Super Bowl, including the regular season and playoffs. This means fans have nearly half a year of football to watch and analyze.
How Many Preseason Games in NFL Season?
Before the regular season kicks off, teams usually participate in preseason games. While preseason rules have changed over the years, here’s what fans should know:
- Teams typically play 3–4 preseason games, though this varies based on league decisions.
- These games help coaches evaluate new talent and adjust strategies before the regular season.
- Preseason games do not count toward playoff eligibility, but they offer a sneak peek at rookies and key player matchups.
For fans, preseason games are a fun warm-up, but the regular season is where every win truly matters.
Understanding the NFL Schedule
The NFL schedule is carefully designed to balance competition and maximize viewership:
- Each team plays 6 games against division opponents (home and away).
- 4 games against teams from another division within the same conference.
- 4 games against teams from a division in the opposite conference, rotating yearly.
- 2 games based on prior season standings against teams in the same conference.
- 1 extra game added in the 17-game schedule, matching teams from the opposite conference based on standings.
This rotation ensures variety, fairness, and exciting matchups for fans across the country.
How Many Games in NFL Season vs. Other Leagues
It’s interesting to compare the NFL with other major sports leagues:
- NBA: 82 regular-season games + playoffs.
- MLB: 162 regular-season games + playoffs.
- NHL: 82 regular-season games + playoffs.
The NFL’s shorter season (17 games) creates higher stakes for every matchup, making each win and loss more significant. Fans often feel more tension and excitement with every game.
How Schedule Changes Affect Players and Fans
The NFL’s schedule influences not only competition but also player performance and fan engagement:
- Player Health: Bye weeks allow recovery from injuries.
- Travel Demands: Teams must manage cross-country trips carefully.
- Fan Planning: Knowing the number of games helps fans plan watch parties, tailgates, and fantasy football strategies.
The extra 17th game and expanded playoffs mean more football content for fans, more media coverage, and more chances for underdog stories.
Fun Facts About NFL Season Length
Here are some interesting tidbits about how many games in NFL season:
- The oldest NFL season had as few as 12 games.
- The longest undefeated regular season record was 16-0 by the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
- The Super Bowl has only ever been played once a year since 1967, making it the ultimate culmination of the NFL season.
These facts give context to the current 17-game season and show how the league has evolved over time.
Fantasy Football and NFL Game Count
For fantasy football enthusiasts, knowing the number of NFL games in a season is crucial:
- 17 regular-season games mean more opportunities to earn points each week.
- Bye weeks require careful roster management to avoid zero-point weeks.
- Playoff schedules often overlap with NFL playoffs, adding extra strategy for fantasy owners.
Whether a casual fan or a competitive fantasy player, understanding the NFL calendar helps maximize enjoyment and results.
FAQs: How Many Games in NFL Season
Q1: Has the NFL always had 17 games?
No. The league increased from 16 to 17 regular-season games in 2021 to expand content and revenue.
Q2: How long does the NFL season last?
From preseason to the Super Bowl, the season lasts about 5–6 months, usually from August to February.
Q3: Do preseason games count toward playoff standings?
No. Only regular-season games determine playoff eligibility.
Q4: Can a team play more than 22 games in a season?
No. Even if a team reaches the Super Bowl, the maximum is 22 games (17 regular-season + 5 playoff games).
Conclusion
Knowing how many games in NFL season helps fans understand the league’s rhythm, plan for key matchups, and fully enjoy the sport. From regular-season thrillers to high-stakes playoff showdowns, the NFL offers months of excitement, strategy, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a new fan, understanding the schedule enhances every game-day experience.
For more insights on football schedules, team strategies, and player updates, visit Csportz for expert coverage and the latest news in the world of sports.
