The NFL held a remote presser today to discuss a few bits of news for the upcoming NFL Draft and regular season schedule, and the current expectation of the league right now is to have the 2020-21 season start on time without a hiccup.
"Our expectation is fully directed at playing a full season starting on schedule and having a full regular season and full set of playoffs," NFL executive VP/General Counsel Jeff Pash said, per Newsday's Bob Glauber.
The league has already pushed back offseason workout programs and rookie minicamps following the draft could also be in question down the road. But they feel like by the time training camp comes around, things will be back to normal and the league can run like it normally does.
At least that's the hope.
"Am I certain?," Pash said. "I'm not certain I'll be here tomorrow, but I'm planning on it."
Interesting take there, but it was exciting to hear that the league had also approved the 14-team playoff that was addressed in the new CBA. A remote vote made that change to the schedule official, so here's how it will play out:
- There will be two additional Wild Card teams -- one from each conference
- The No. 1 seed from each conference gets a bye during the Wild Card Round. Remaining teams play with the No. 2 seed playing the No. 7 seed, No. 3 vs. No. 6, and No. 4 vs. No. 5.
- Wild Card Weekend will consist of three games on Jan. 9, and three games on Jan. 10 (Saturday and Sunday).
Finally, the league will be releasing individual schedules for all 32 teams on May 9.
The Jets already have their opponents set, with the NFC West (49ers, Seahawks, Rams and Cardinals) and AFC West (Chiefs, Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers) on the schedule. Gang Green finished third in the AFC East last season, so they'll also play the same-place finisher in the AFC North (Browns at home) and AFC South (Colts on the road).
As for the Giants, they'll take on AFC North (Ravens, Steelers, Browns and Bengals) as well as the NFC West just like the Jets. Finishing third in the NFC East, they'll take on the same from the NFC South (Bucs at home) and NFC North (Bears on the road).