New NFL scheduling wrinkle could be either a blessing or curse for LA Rams

Call it a rhythm, a pattern, or just predictability. The Los Angeles Rams are like every organization, and that means optimization depends on getting into a groove. So when the NFL tinkers with the weekly NFL schedule to optimize exposure to the national audience, that's great for the coffers, but not so much for the players and coaches.

And the NFL is tinkering with the scheduling pattern in 2026.

We already know that the influx of international games plays havoc with the travel plans and sleep patterns for NFL competitors. And that international exposure pits the Seattle Seahawks to play a Wednesday season opener, as the San Francisco 49ers must play the LA Rams in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday, but now the NFL is plotting to keep the meter running at the end of the NFL season too.

Saturday games are fantastic for the team that wins.

And there it is. With a sport that covers four different time zones among its teams, the NFL is ramping up the schedule to put more NFL games on the schedule to allow fans to see more football. While that's great, the dilution of predictable patterns creates havoc for coaches and players who must accelerate their preparation to meet the ever-changing schedule

NFL is (over) saturating the football market

Keep in mind that the NFL is pushing for an 18-game regular-season schedule. Layer up to four post-season contests after those 18 games, and the turbulence caused to the LA Rams coaches and players compounds quickly. Keep in mind that this is also impacted by traveling incredibly long distances.

Then there is the impact of different time zones ruthlessly ripping at sleep patterns.

Everyone loves football, it seems. And sure, when the time comes, Saturdays with NFL games will be welcomed everywhere. But the NFL has games on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and now Saturday. How long before games appear seven days a week? Does the quality of football diminish as the sport taps more markets?

The NFL has run into those types of questions in the past. Thursday Night Football games create quite a disadvantage for a team that must travel coast to coast and faces a short week. Yes, the mini-bye of 10 days following a TNF on Prime game can be heavenly, but gearing up in four days for that one game is brutal.

The NFL has already placed limits on its complicated scheduling practices to prevent teams from competing on Thursday after playing on Monday Night Football. But as more games are scheduled throughout the week, those algorithms intended to ensure competitiveness will become more complicated.

The NFL wants to go global. But some fear that the ambitious goal of 18 games and playing those games internationally may be stretching the sport to its competitive limits. If covering every weekday is also part of the plan, they may be right.

As always, thanks for reading.

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