The Bengals are on watch as the NFL is rumored to be going to an 18-game regular season schedule in the next few years. This would eliminate another week of the pre-season, dropping it to just two games.
While it seems like a no-brainer for the common fan, it would come with a lot of challenges for the players. The NFL and its owners would love the extra revenue. However, the players wouldn’t be too crazy about another week of putting their body through countless car crashes.
Bengals QB Joe Flacco recently weighed in on the possibility, and he didn’t mince words.
Bengals QB Joe Flacco Torches Idea of 18-Game Regular Season Schedule
Justin Casterline/Getty ImagesCINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Head coach Zac Taylor and Joe Flacco #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals talk during the second quarter in the game against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The long-time NFL signal caller had this to say about the possibility of the NFL regular season schedule expanding to 18 games.
“As a player, I loved playing 16 games, and I think the NFL had an awesome formula for 16 games and four rounds of playoffs and I think it was super competitive. I don’t think people realize that when you put guys through an 18-game regular season schedule.
I think what could happen is the playoffs start to suffer and you get teams that are so beat up by that point in the year that they’re not really at their best. So instead of getting top-level football, you’re getting a couple teams going against each other at 75 percent. Basically, it becomes a war of attrition.
I think the more games you add on to the season, the less chance you give yourself of having that competitive true event where everybody can really enjoy and know they’re seeing the best of the best.”
Flacco also implied the low quality of Super Bowls the last two years may have something to do with the already-long 17-game schedule.
“The last two years, the Super Bowls haven’t really been super competitive and I think maybe you have to look at that a little bit.”
These are very interesting comments from Flacco, and are likely in line with the opinions from a lot of players from around the league.
Cincinnati Meeting With QB Athan Kaliakmanis Day Before the 2026 NFL Draft
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The report comes from Aaron Wilson on X, whom provides sports coverage for KPRC2.
“Rutgers quarterback, and @GopherFootball transfer Athan Kaliakmanis visits #Commanders today, #Bengals on Wednesday, per league source.
Had a Zoom meeting with #Broncos had formals with #Raiders and #Bengals. Plus, #Bears #Giants, and #Eagles local prospect days Passed for 8,604 career yards, 55 touchdown, 27 interceptions.”
Consider a snippet from CBS Sports on Kaliakmanis.
Bengals QB Joe Flacco Blasts NFL 18-Game Schedule