Goodell Advocates for 18-Game NFL Season Expansion

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced that expanding the regular season to 18 games is the 'logical next step' for the league, maintaining the current framework of a 20-game schedule by reducing preseason games to two. Goodell asserts that the previous expansion did not result in more injuries, a critical consideration for the NFL Players Association, which must approve any schedule changes. Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow has expressed openness to the idea, suggesting a second bye week to alleviate player fatigue. Additionally, the NFL continues to pursue its globalization strategy, planning an increase in international games, with the possibility of establishing franchises overseas being considered.