NFL Switched to 16-Game Regular Season

The NFL transitioned to a 16-game regular season, a change that significantly impacted the structure of professional football in the United States. Prior to this adjustment, teams played a shorter schedule, which limited the number of games and, consequently, the opportunities for teams to compete for playoff positions. The decision to expand the regular season was influenced by various factors, including the desire for increased revenue from ticket sales and broadcasting rights, as well as the growing popularity of the sport. This change allowed teams to showcase their talent over a longer period, providing fans with more games to enjoy and increasing the overall engagement with the league. The 16-game format has since become a standard in the NFL, shaping the way teams strategize and prepare for the season. This new format remained in place for over four decades until the league expanded to a 17-game season in 2021. Key Details of the 1978 Change: • Season Length: The number of regular season games increased from 14 to 16. • Preseason: The number of preseason/exhibition games was reduced from six to four. • Playoff Expansion: The playoff format was expanded from eight teams to ten teams, by adding an extra wild-card team from each conference. The two wild card teams in each conference played each other in an initial round. • Scheduling Formula: The change marked the beginning of a new scheduling format that had divisions in one conference play against divisions in the other conference on a rotating basis. • Impact: The 1978 season is often considered a pivotal moment in the development of the modern NFL, which included new rules to open up the passing game.