We already know that the NFL is planning to announce a full regular schedule this weekend, thanks to the league’s spokesman, Brian McCarthy.
The 256-game schedule could be considered across the sports world as a vote of confidence that teams plan to play a full season, although sources say some of that hope may be due to the fact that the first regular season game is not until the second week of September.
Should be out by May 9th as we've said. Kickoff slated for Sept. 10 and the 101th season concludes w/ Super Bowl LV in Tampa on Feb. 7, 2021. https://t.co/8YizywybGJ
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) April 29, 2020
Nonetheless, teams have also reportedly been mapping out shorter seasons, including a 14-game schedule that would start in October and push the Super Bowl back a week, to Feb. 14.
"Getting some much-needed rest is key in the NFL. Teams with extra rest have won an extra 3.2% of the time at home & an extra 3.7% on the road compared to their win % on normal rest."@BetLabsTravis on what to look for in tomorrow's schedule release: https://t.co/T59okk5RK0
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) May 6, 2020
Under that possibility, the two games that would be dropped would be cross-conference match-ups. Additionally, the “off-week” between Championship Sunday and the Super Bowl would be removed, which would also cancel the Pro Bowl.
Last Monday, the NFL officially announced it would not be playing international games in 2020.
As things look now, NFL executives still expect to have some fans in the stands at this year’s games through different seating capacity scenarios.