NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is continuing his push for an 18-game “Enhanced Season.” He made his case at a press conference today. Between the labor woes hovering and an owners’ vote that still needs to take place, Goodell said any schedule change wouldn’t happen before 2012.
While no official vote has taken place, Goodell wouldn’t be moving forward if he hadn’t already checked to see how many owners’ votes he has. This thing is probably going to happen, in spite of player objections.
What will this mean for fantasy leagues? Most will immediately extend their seasons as well. For my commissioner money, I would wait at least a year to see what kind of play we get out of the extra weeks. The reason most championship games are in Week 16 in because of how many players get rested or don’t finish Week 17 games.
Extending the season by two games does nothing to help the game’s competitive balance, in my opinion. The Cleveland Browns will still be bad in an 18-game campaign. Once you go 1-10, there is no benefit other than pride to winning any of those last few games. Goodell can add as many games as he likes, but scheduling games is not the same as making teams actually try to win them.
Goodell has voiced displeasure with teams resting players in late-season games but still charging regular prices. I haven’t heard what his plan is to combat it, though. I would need to know that before I start getting excited about two more games.
There are positives for fantasy players. First off, more football. Who other than curmudgeons like me is really going to complain about that? Second, the Players Association is going to need some concessions to sign off on this. That is certain to include bigger rosters. More players means more chances to find that fantasy diamond in the rough.
