The NFL is exploring the idea of introducing an additional game to its Thanksgiving lineup, potentially a Thanksgiving Eve match for the 2026 season. Reports suggest that if this plan is confirmed, fans could watch games on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Former NFL player Sean Merriman shared his thoughts on a recent show, warning that more games might dilute the quality of the league. He compared it to the NBA, stating that its lengthy schedule can lead to a diluted product. He expressed concern about player health, suggesting that increasing the number of games without adding extra bye weeks could be risky for athletes’ bodies. “If we’re considering this change, we’d need to think about another bye week,” Merriman remarked.
He cautioned the NFL against “giving away too much” to fans, noting that while more games could boost profits, it might also compromise the integrity of the game. Merriman emphasized the need for balance between maintaining quality and expanding the schedule.
Despite these concerns, the NFL has seen strong viewership numbers, with a 2025 game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers drawing approximately 28 million viewers. As the league embraces growth, it will need to navigate the challenge of keeping its players safe and the gameplay enjoyable for fans.
