With NFLPA opposition, an 18th regular-season game looks unlikely soon, meaning bettors should expect current win-total and injury-exposure markets to remain stable. If talks resume, markets could shift toward higher team win totals and increased injury prop risk; sharp punters should monitor CBA negotiations, roster and bye-week proposals for potential market-moving news.
Players push back: NFLPA says there’s “no appetite” for an 18th NFL game
NFL players’ union leadership has made clear that adding an 18th regular-season game is off the table for now. NFLPA interim executive director David White said players have “no appetite” for expanding the season and emphasized that any schedule change must “minimize risk and ensure players are properly recognized and compensated.”
Player safety and compensation drive opposition
Union leaders argue the issue is not casual — it’s a bargaining matter tied to health, recovery and fair pay. The union insists nothing will move forward until players can fully account for injury risk, recovery time, roster impacts and compensation adjustments through collective bargaining.
League signals interest but faces major hurdles
Commissioner Roger Goodell has indicated the league would like to discuss schedule expansion with NFLPA leaders, and some owners have publicly advocated for an 18-game slate that could increase international matchups.
Any change would require reopening the collective bargaining agreement, which currently runs through 2030.
What would negotiations need to address?
Key negotiation points include whether teams would receive a second bye week, what roster sizes should look like for a longer season, and how to split the incremental revenue.
Players and owners will need to trade concessions and protections for any expansion to become reality. veteran players like Seattle’s Cooper Kupp acknowledge that “there’s going to have to be some talks about what makes that worth it to the players.”
Betting implications: why punters should watch the CBA talks
Because the NFLPA is currently opposed, immediate market-moving changes are unlikely and most futures and win-total lines should remain stable for now.
If negotiations restart and expansion gains traction, expect shifts to team win totals, season-long props, and injury-related markets; a longer season typically increases variance and injury risk, which can open opportunities for sharper bettors.
Monitor CBA developments, roster rules and bye-week proposals for signals that markets might move.
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The league and players have not held formal talks regarding increasing the schedule.
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