The NFL Expanding To 18-Game Schedule In 2027 Remains Possible

The NFL will have a 17-game schedule in 2026. The league will probably have a 17-game schedule in 2027, too.

However, expansion to 18 games remains possible.

The NFL is probably going to get to an 18-game schedule at some point. The league has clearly been angling for an even 18-game schedule with the season ending in mid to late February.

But could it happen as soon as 2027?

It sounds like it.

Pro Football Talk reported on Monday that it's "highly unlikely" that the NFL expands from 17 games to 18 games in 2027.

However, it's still a possibility.

Could NFL expand to 18 games by 2027?

The NFL has still yet to finalize a date for the Super Bowl in 2027-28.

"Despite the fact that a date for the game to be played in less than 21 months has yet to be picked, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that it's highly unlikely the season will expand to 18 games by 2027," PFT reported.

"The current 17-game season with one bye points to February 13, 2028 as the date for Super Bowl LXII to be played in Atlanta. Unless and until the league announces that day as the date for the game, there's still a chance it will slide deeper into the month to accommodate a longer season.

"With 18 games and two byes - and two weeks between the conference championships and the Super Bowl - Super Bowl LXII would be played on February 27, 2028. February 20 (Presidents Day weekend) would be the Super Bowl LXII landing spot for an 18-game season with: (1) only one bye per team; (2) only one week between the conference championships and the Super Bowl; or (3) the commencement of the 2027 season on Labor Day weekend."

Would you want to see the NFL expanding to 18 games in 2027?

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 12:22 PM.