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Best NFL Advice: The Truth About the 18-Game Season and Overseas Expansion

When it comes to the NFL, the landscape of professional football is constantly evolving. As a longtime observer and commentator on the game, I’ve seen many changes come and go, but none quite as significant or as quietly strategic as the NFL’s move toward an 18-game season and the subtle yet inevitable expansion overseas.

In this article, I’m sharing some of the best NFL advice you’ll hear anywhere—straight talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes and what it means for the future of the league and its fans.

This insight comes from years of closely following the league’s moves and trends, and it’s designed to prepare you for a future that’s closer than you might think. If you’re a die-hard fan or even just casually interested in the NFL, understanding this shift is crucial. The game you love is about to change, and it’s better to be informed than caught off guard.

Table of Contents

Setting the Stage: The NFL’s Quiet Evolution

Over the past few years, the NFL has been inching toward expanding its regular season from 16 games to 18 games. This isn’t just about adding two more games for more revenue or more entertainment; it’s about a strategic repositioning of the league’s footprint on a global scale. The 18-game season is not just a number—it’s a signal of bigger ambitions.

The league has already begun testing the waters by scheduling games at neutral sites, mainly outside the United States, with England and Germany being primary hosts. These are not just exhibition games or one-offs; they are carefully planned steps toward creating a new European division within the NFL.

So, why all the secrecy? Why the subtlety? Because the NFL knows that change, especially this significant, can be met with resistance from fans, players, and even team owners. But the reality is clear: the train has left the station, and the league is committed to this direction.

Free Advice to the NFL: Be Honest, Be Transparent

Here’s some of the best NFL advice I can offer the league itself: If you’re going to prepare your fans and stakeholders for such a major change, don’t just drop it on them suddenly. Lead them gently in that direction. Transparency and preparation are key to easing the transition.

Right now, the NFL is already playing two of the 18 games at neutral sites. This is a smart move that serves as a test run for the logistics and fan engagement in international markets. But it also serves as a precursor to a much larger plan: the establishment of a European division within the league.

By officially making two games per season neutral-site contests, the NFL can gradually normalize the idea that part of the season is played outside the traditional home-and-away format in the U.S. This makes the eventual full expansion overseas feel less abrupt and more natural.

Why Neutral Sites Matter

Neutral-site games are not just a novelty—they are the building blocks of future league structure. By designating two games as neutral-site contests, the NFL can:

  • Test logistics: Travel, stadium readiness, broadcasting, and fan turnout can all be evaluated in real-time.
  • Gauge fan interest: Measuring attendance and engagement in international markets helps the league plan future investments.
  • Build infrastructure: Creating partnerships with international venues and sponsors lays the groundwork for permanent teams abroad.
  • Normalize the concept: Fans in the U.S. and abroad get accustomed to the idea of games outside traditional home stadiums.

This approach is a masterclass in strategic expansion. The NFL isn’t rushing; it’s carefully laying the foundation for a new chapter in professional football history.

The European Division: The Next Frontier

The idea of a European division within the NFL might sound like science fiction to some fans, but it’s quickly becoming a reality. The league’s choice of England and Germany as early international hosts is no accident—both countries have growing American football fanbases and the infrastructure to support professional games.

Europe offers a massive untapped market, and the NFL’s move to establish a division there is about more than just games. It’s about cultivating a new fan culture, developing talent pipelines, and creating a global brand that extends beyond the traditional American borders.

Here’s why the European division makes sense:

  • Growing Fanbase: American football’s popularity in Europe is surging, especially among younger generations eager for new sports experiences.
  • Economic Opportunity: New markets mean new sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and broadcast rights, which translate to significant revenue streams.
  • Talent Development: Establishing teams abroad opens pathways for international players to enter the NFL system, diversifying the talent pool.
  • Global Brand Expansion: The NFL’s long-term sustainability depends on its ability to capture global audiences and remain relevant worldwide.

With all this in mind, it’s clear the NFL’s plan is not just about adding two games to the schedule—it’s about evolving the league into a truly international sports powerhouse.

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, expanding to Europe isn’t without its challenges. Issues such as travel fatigue, time zone differences, player health, and maintaining competitive balance are all real concerns. But the NFL is no stranger to solving complex logistical puzzles, and the neutral-site games are part of the solution.

By starting with just two games abroad each season, the league can monitor how players and teams adapt, how fans respond, and what operational tweaks are necessary. It’s a cautious but calculated approach to a bold vision.

What This Means for Fans

If you’re a fan wondering how this will affect your team, your game day experience, or the NFL as a whole, here’s what you need to know:

  • More Games, More Football: An 18-game season means more football to enjoy, but also more wear and tear on players, which could affect team dynamics.
  • New Rivalries and Matchups: A European division introduces fresh rivalries and new opponents, expanding the league’s competitive landscape.
  • Travel and Scheduling: Teams will face longer travel times for international games, which could impact performance and scheduling strategies.
  • Fan Engagement Opportunities: Fans in Europe get a chance to see games live, while U.S. fans get introduced to a global NFL community.

While change can be unsettling, it also brings excitement and growth. The NFL is evolving, and fans who embrace this evolution will be part of a historic era in football.

Conclusion: Embrace the Future With Open Eyes

Here’s the bottom line: The NFL’s move to an 18-game season with two neutral-site games is just the beginning of a much bigger story. The league’s plans to expand into Europe and establish a new division are no longer speculation—they are underway.

“It’s going to get to this point anyway. So, why not just go ahead and prepare people? Go ahead and prepare the peeps for what you really and truly want to do.” — Vince Douglas Gregory

My best NFL advice to fans is simple: stay informed, be open to change, and understand the strategic moves behind the scenes. The NFL is positioning itself for a global future, and by understanding these shifts now, you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Whether you scream, yell, or hold your breath, the train has left the station. It’s time to embrace the new era of football—one that’s bigger, broader, and more international than ever before.

For more insightful sports commentary and updates on the NFL’s evolution, keep following VDG Sports and stay ahead of the game.

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