Will the NFL go to 18-game schedule? (3/31 Hour 1)

In this episode of PFT Live, Mike Florio and his co-hosts dive into the aftermath of the NFL's annual league meetings in Arizona, discussing key developments including the potential shift to an 18-game regular season, the NFL's ongoing struggle with diversity and inclusion, and the evolving landscape of Super Bowl hosting. The hosts express growing confidence that the NFL is poised to implement 18 games starting in 2027, citing subtle but telling language from NFL executives and the increasing pressure from owners like Robert Kraft and Carly Ursae-Gordon to expand the schedule for financial gain. They also critique the league’s performative commitment to equity, highlighting the persistent lack of Black representation in coaching and front-office roles, and call out the NFL’s leadership for failing to take bold action against figures like Florida Attorney General James Uthmeyer, whom they mock for his controversial stance on diversity. The episode also touches on proposed changes to short-week game rules, player safety concerns, and the NFL’s problematic handling of health and safety messaging, with a sharp critique of the dual role held by Jeff Miller, who oversees both PR and player safety. The hosts emphasize the need for transparency, courage, and systemic change to preserve the integrity of the game.