NFL regular season

The NFL regular season is the period each year during which the National Football League (NFL) conducts its scheduled games. The season typically begins in early September and runs through late December or early January. The NFL regular season is a critical part of the league's schedule, leading up to the NFL Playoffs and ultimately the Super Bowl, which concludes the season.

Structure

The NFL regular season consists of 272 games, with each of the 32 teams playing 17 games over an 18-week period. Historically, each team played 16 games over 17 weeks, but this changed in 2021 when the league expanded the regular season. Each team is afforded one bye week, during which they do not play a game.

Weekly Schedule

Games are primarily played on Sundays, with one game each week also scheduled for Thursday night and another for Monday night. Occasionally, there are also Saturday games later in the season as college football winds down.

Game Matchups

The matchups each season are determined by a pre-set rotation. Each team plays:

• Six games against its divisional opponents — two games (home and away) against each of the other three teams in its division.
• Four games against teams from another division within its conference, rotating on a three-year cycle.
• Four games against teams from a division in the opposite conference, rotating on a four-year cycle.
• Three games against teams from the other divisions in its conference that finished in the same place in the standings the previous year (e.g., first place, second place).

Significance

The results of the regular season determine the seeding for the NFL Playoffs. The top teams from each conference earn a spot in the playoffs, with the overall performance during the regular season impacting home-field advantage and potential byes in the first round of the playoffs.

Records and Milestones

The NFL regular season is also a time when teams and players can achieve significant milestones and records. Individual player achievements, such as passing yards, rushing yards, and receptions, are tracked and can lead to awards and recognition at the end of the season.

Challenges

The length and physical intensity of the NFL regular season present significant challenges, including injuries to key players, which can impact team performance and playoff prospects. The management of player health and team depth are critical components of success.

Cultural Impact

The NFL regular season is a significant event in American culture, with millions of fans following games live, on television, or via digital platforms. It also impacts other industries such as advertising, fantasy sports, and sports betting.

See Also

• List of NFL seasons
• NFL records
• NFL Playoffs
• Super Bowl

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