If you’re new to the NFL or just curious about how many games make up a full season, this listicle breaks down the number of NFL games and what they include. Whether you’re a fan trying to understand the schedule or someone wondering how many chances your favorite team gets to play each year, this guide covers the details.
1. Regular Season Games
The NFL regular season consists of 17 games per team, introduced starting with the 2021 season. Previously, teams played 16 games since 1978. Each team plays these games over an 18-week period, including one bye week. These games determine playoff qualification and seeding.
2. Preseason Games
Before the regular season starts, teams typically play 3 preseason games. This number was reduced from 4 in 2021 to accommodate the expanded regular season. Preseason games are mostly for evaluating players, testing strategies, and getting teams ready for the regular season.
3. Playoff Games
The NFL playoffs include 14 teams as of the 2020 season: 7 from each conference. Playoff rounds include the Wild Card Weekend (6 games), Divisional Round (4 games), Conference Championships (2 games), and the Super Bowl. The total number of playoff games varies each year but usually ranges from 12 to 13.
4. Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl is the NFL’s all-star game, held annually the weekend before the Super Bowl. It features selected top players from each conference. While it’s an exhibition game and not part of the official season or playoffs, it’s a notable NFL event and counts as one game on the NFL calendar.
5. International Series Games
The NFL schedules a handful of regular season games internationally each year, mainly in London and Mexico City. These games count toward the 17-game regular season total but add a global dimension to the league’s schedule. Usually, 3 to 5 games are played overseas annually.
6. Thanksgiving Day Games
Thanksgiving Day features three NFL games each year, a tradition dating back to 1934. These games are part of the regular season schedule and are nationally televised, attracting high viewership. They are special but don’t add extra games beyond the regular 17.
7. NFL Draft and Offseason Events
While not games, the NFL offseason includes the NFL Draft and various mini-camps and training camps. These events prepare teams for the upcoming season but do not count as official games. Understanding this helps clarify what constitutes the NFL game count.
8. Expansion or Special Event Games
Occasionally, the NFL may schedule special games such as the Hall of Fame Game, a preseason exhibition that kicks off the NFL preseason. It doesn’t count towards the regular season and is a ceremonial event to honor new Hall of Fame inductees.
9. Postseason Pro Bowl Replacement Games
In some years, alternative all-star events or skills challenges have been proposed or held, but these are not official NFL games and do not affect the season’s total game count. They are rare and usually experimental.
10. Total Number of NFL Games Played League-Wide
Across the entire NFL, the total number of games played each regular season is 272 (32 teams × 17 games ÷ 2). This number excludes preseason and playoff games. Including playoffs and preseason, the total number of NFL games in a year can approach 320.
How to Choose
When considering how many NFL games to follow or watch, it’s important to focus on the regular season and playoffs, as these determine team success and championship outcomes. Preseason games are useful for hardcore fans tracking roster moves but less critical overall. Special games like the Pro Bowl or international matches add flavor but don’t impact standings. If your goal is to understand team performance or enjoy the most competitive football, prioritize regular season and playoff games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many games does each NFL team play in the regular season?
Each NFL team plays 17 regular season games over 18 weeks, including one bye week.
Q: How many total NFL games are played across the league in a regular season?
There are 272 regular season games league-wide each year (32 teams multiplied by 17 games, divided by 2).
Q: Are preseason games included in the regular season total?
No, preseason games are separate and usually total 3 per team, serving as warm-ups before the regular season.
Q: How many playoff games are there in the NFL?
The playoffs include 14 teams and typically feature 12 or 13 games, culminating in the Super Bowl.
Q: Do international games add extra games to the NFL season?
No, international games are part of the 17 regular season games, just played at overseas locations.
Q: What is the Pro Bowl and does it count as an NFL game?
The Pro Bowl is an all-star exhibition game held after the regular season but before the Super Bowl. It doesn’t affect team records or standings.
Final Thoughts
The NFL season is structured around a 17-game regular season, supplemented by preseason and playoff games that add excitement and drama. Understanding the breakdown of these games helps fans appreciate the schedule and the stakes of each matchup. Whether you’re counting games for fantasy football, planning your viewing schedule, or just curious, knowing how many NFL games there are and their purpose enhances your overall football experience.
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