The latest news coming out of the NFL offseason is the rumors surrounding a possible 18-game regular season.  NFL officials added fuel to the fire by discussing the idea in a negotiating meeting on Wednesday.  It was their first since February.

Before you start the celebration at the idea of a 22- game season, let me just explain the possible shakeup.  Each team would continue to play 20 games.  However, instead of four preseason games and 16 regular season games, the league would shift to two preseason games for each team and 18 regular season games.
The idea has received substantial support from owners as they consider the deterioration in fan support of the preseason.  Many choose to surpass this portion of the NFL season as it has become increasingly evident that big name players often opt out of these games to save their bodies for the rigor of the regular season.  I guess NFL officials are suggesting that a shorter preseason could possibly make the games more tolerable.  It’s certainly less of a wait until the real NFL action gets underway.  And, let’s not forget that more regular season games mean more money.  It’s no wonder the suits approve.

Even though more revenue means higher paychecks, some players aren’t so anxious to jump on the 18-game bandwagon.  There has been some expressed concern that a longer season would take more of a toll physically, which could end up costing the team in the long run.

It’s all in the developmental stages at this point, but one thing is certain.  The collective bargaining agreement expires in March, which means decisions must be made in the near future.

So, what do you think?  Should the NFL expand the regular season to 18 games?