Having been one of the die-hard NFL fans ever since I was a kid, I always keep a tab on what the schedule looks like. When they announced the schedule of the 2022 season, there was a lot of buzz in the sports fraternity that it’s the easiest schedule ever.
The league announced a 16-game schedule with 14 games that include 11 conference matchups and 3 inter-conference matchups- that’s pretty unheard of. Not to forget, the league also reduced the bye week further to 2. This means that the teams don’t get much rest and play more games consecutively- a big advantage for teams that rely on continuity in their lineups.
I can already picture all the teams that have consistently performed well in the last few years, getting a big boost by playing an easier schedule. Teams like Patriots, 49ers, and Saints to name a few are sure to have a good run if they get the luck factor on their side.
I think the easier schedule was a welcome change that happened at the right time. The league also cut the pre-season schedule by two weeks, rightly introducing “an extended 17th regular-season game” to balance out. This, in turn, has made it one of the most balanced schedules in the history of the NFL, with no team playing more than 16 games.
Talking about the divisional matchups, the league has gone the extra mile to balance things out even further. In the 2022 season, teams within the same division are going to square off once and play 3 games from their respective conferences. Inter-conference matchups will be reduced to only 3 games, meaning that teams from the same conference will also have fewer opportunities to face-off.
Shorter pre-season, fewer divisional matchups, fewer inter-conference games and only 2 bye-weeks- I’m sure all the teams are going to benefit from that. Having said that, I’m a bit concerned about the number of starters for each team though – given the lack of rest due to the reduced bye-week. But then again, teams with strong enough back-ups should have no problems.
So, it looks like the 2022 season is set up perfectly for teams with great continuity and depth. It should be an interesting season, with heightened anticipation for the championship. Can’t wait.