The National Football League (NFL) has one of the most structured and highly anticipated seasons in all of professional sports. With millions of fans tuning in weekly, it’s no wonder people often ask: “How many games in nfl season including playoffs and regular season?” This seemingly simple question has a slightly more complex answer when you consider recent changes to the schedule and the variety of playoff scenarios that can unfold.
Let’s dive deep into the full breakdown of the NFL season, covering everything from the regular-season games, to the playoffs, and all the way through to the Super Bowl.
Understanding the NFL Season Structure
The NFL season is divided into three major phases:
- Preseason
- Regular Season
- Postseason (Playoffs)
While preseason games are used for practice and evaluation and do not count towards the official season standings, the regular season and playoffs are where the real action begins.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| NFL Season Phase | Number of Games per Team | Total Number of Games League-Wide |
| Preseason | 3 (each team) | 49 games total (including Hall of Fame Game) |
| Regular Season | 17 (each team) | 272 games total |
| Playoffs | Varies (1–4 per team) | 13 games total (including Super Bowl) |
The NFL Regular Season: 17 Games per Team
For years, the NFL featured a 16-game regular season. But starting in the 2021 season, the league officially expanded the regular season to 17 games per team. That change added more excitement, complexity, and, of course, a chance for more revenue. Each of the 32 teams now plays:
- 6 games against divisional rivals (2 games each against 3 teams)
- 4 games against a division in their own conference
- 4 matches against a division in the other conference
- 2 games against same-conference teams with similar prior-season standings
- 1 extra interconference game (rotated annually)
This brings us to a total of 272 How many games in nfl season across the entire league.
NFL Playoffs: 13 Intense Games Leading to the Super Bowl
The NFL postseason features 14 teams—7 from each conference (AFC and NFC). These include:
- 4 division winners from each conference
- 3 wild card teams from each conference
Here’s how the playoff structure unfolds:
- Wild Card Round – 6 games (3 per conference)
- Divisional Round – 4 games (2 per conference)
- Conference Championships – 2 games (1 per conference)
- Super Bowl – 1 game (AFC vs NFC champion)
That brings the total number of playoff games to 13.
So, How many games in nfl season Including Playoffs and Regular?
If you’re counting every single official game played, the number would be:
- 272 regular season games
- 13 playoff games
Total: 285 games per NFL season
However, remember, not all teams play the same number of games once playoffs begin. Let’s break that down.
How Many Games Does an Individual NFL Team Play Including Playoffs?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Every team is guaranteed:
17 regular season games
Teams that make the playoffs can play anywhere from 1 to 4 additional games, depending on their seed and success:
- A Wild Card team could play: Wild Card > Divisional > Conference Championship > Super Bowl = 4 playoff games
- A #1 seed with a first-round bye could play: Divisional > Conference > Super Bowl = 3 playoff games
So, the maximum number of games a team could play in a full NFL season is: 17 regular season + 4 playoff games = 21 games
Preseason Games: Do They Count?
Technically, no. Preseason games do not count toward a team’s official record. They’re essentially exhibition games used to prepare for the real season, test strategies, and evaluate players. Teams typically play 3 preseason games, though this may vary depending on whether they’re selected to participate in the Hall of Fame Game, which adds a fourth.
Super Bowl: The Grand Finale
The Super Bowl is the most watched sporting event in the United States, How many games in nfl season and it marks the final game of the NFL season. Played between the AFC and NFC champions, it’s the 13th playoff game and the 285th game of the season league-wide. The Super Bowl is usually played on the second Sunday in February, following a two-week break after the conference championships.
Why Did the NFL Change to 17 Games?
There are several reasons behind the switch from a 16-game regular season to 17 games:
- Revenue Growth: More games mean more TV deals, ticket sales, and merchandise.
- Broadcast Expansion: The NFL can now offer international games and more prime-time slots.
- Competitive Balance: An odd number of games adds intrigue by alternating home and away balances each year.
It was part of the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and while it drew criticism from some players over injury concerns, it has become a fixture in the modern NFL landscape.
Impact of the Extended Season
The addition of one regular how many games in nfl season more than just the standings. It impacts:
- Player workloads
- Fantasy football
- Team strategies
- Injury management
- Statistical records (e.g., single-season passing and rushing leaders)
We’ve already seen new records set due to the extra game, and debates continue on whether they should have asterisks beside them.
Final Thoughts
From early September to the heart of February, the NFL provides fans with 285 adrenaline-packed games, split across the regular season and playoffs. Each team is guaranteed 17 chances to prove themselves, How many games in nfl season but only one lifts the Lombardi Trophy in the end. Whether you’re a hardcore fan, a fantasy football junkie, or a casual viewer, understanding the full scope of the NFL season enhances your appreciation of the sport.
FAQs About the NFL Season Structure
Q1: How many regular season games are played in the NFL?
A: Each team plays 17 regular season games, for a league total of 272 games.
Q2: How many teams make the playoffs in the NFL?
A: A total of 14 teams qualify for the playoffs—7 from the AFC and 7 from the NFC.
Q3: How many playoff games are there in the NFL season?
A: There are 13 playoff games, including the Super Bowl.
Q4: Can an NFL team play 21 games in one season?
A: Yes, if a team plays all 17 regular season games and advances through every round of the playoffs (including the Wild Card), it would play 21 games total.
Q5: Are preseason games included in the total NFL season count?
A: Preseason games are not counted in the official season stats or standings, but teams typically play 3 of them (4 if involved in the Hall of Fame Game).
Q6: What happens if teams are tied in the standings at the end of the season?
A: The NFL uses complex tiebreaker rules involving head-to-head records, division performance, and other stats to determine playoff spots.Q7: When does the NFL season usually start and end?
A: The regular season typically starts in early September and ends in early January. The playoffs begin in mid-January and culminate with the Super Bowl in February.
