The 2021 season will be different from any other in NFL history because of an expanded 17-game schedule. The change has several ramifications for the league’s 32 teams both on and off the field.

Technically, teams will still play the same number of total games as they did in previous years. Teams are going from 16 to 17 regular-season games, but the preseason was cut from four to three contests.

Week 18 of the regular season, however, will generate much more viewership than the now defunct Week 4 of the preseason. It played a role in the NFL’s latest media rights agreements, which are worth a reported $113 billion over 11 years, starting with the 2023 season.

"This is a monumental moment in NFL history," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in March. "The CBA with the players and the recently completed media agreements provide the foundation for us to enhance the quality of the NFL experience for our fans. And one of the benefits of each team playing 17 regular-season games is the ability for us to continue to grow our game around the world."

The new collective-bargaining agreement between the NFL Players Association and the league alter’s the way players are paid. Previously, players received their salaries weekly over the course of the 17-week regular season. Now, players will earn their base salaries in 36 weekly installments, starting in Week 1.

It remains to be seen what kind of effect an extra meaningful game might have on player injuries. Starters usually only see limited preseason action, and they appeared to play even less in this year’s preseason.

Certain teams should have a better chance to make the playoffs with an extra game. For instance, the Carolina Panthers will play the Houston Texans, projected to be the NFL’s worst team, because of the added 17th contest. That gives the Panthers a likely victory and a chance to move up in the standings.

Teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers, who will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively, in their added contests, might be hurt by the expanded schedule.

The AFC teams get the benefit of playing an extra home game in the 2021 season. The NFC teams play eight home games and nine road games.

The regular season isn't starting any later because of the added week. As a result, Super Bowl LVI is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2022.

None of the previous 55 Super Bowls have been played later than Feb. 7.

Roger Goodell NFL
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell enters the stadium ahead of the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
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