Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the NFL seen a decline in ratings since 2015?
The two major issues blamed for the NFL's ratings decline are concussions and player protests. These factors have contributed to a steady drop in viewership each year since 2015.
How would legal sports gambling help the NFL grow?
Partnering with a gambling company would increase revenue and popularity by letting fans bet on real-time prop bets, like whether a defense gets seven sacks or a quarterback scores within 10 plays. The NFL's backing of legalized gambling could have an even bigger impact on viewership than fantasy football did.
Why should the NFL get rid of Thursday Night Football?
Thursday Night Football shortens players' recovery time, leading to more injuries and a worse product on the field, which results in lower ratings compared to other broadcast days. The only Thursday games should be the Thanksgiving games and the preseason Hall of Fame game.
How does the NFL's proposed playoff expansion work?
The proposal expands each conference's playoff field from six to eight teams by taking the top two teams from each division. Division winners would receive a bye week while second-place teams play each other in the first round, with games held in neutral-climate stadiums or international locations like London or Mexico City.
How would trimming the NFL preseason benefit players and fans?
Cutting one preseason week would leave each team with three preseason games, keeping players on a consistent weekly routine and reducing injuries. The saved week would instead be used to expand the playoff schedule, improving both player safety and the overall quality of the product on the field.