Robert Kraft Is Onboard with NFL’s 18th Regular Season Game but Puts Forward 3 Strong Conditions

Patriots owner Robert Kraft is on board with the NFL expanding to an 18-game season.

Robert Kraft Is Onboard with NFL’s 18th Regular Season Game but Puts Forward 3 Strong Conditions

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and owner Robert Kraft (Image via IMAGO)

Given the New England Patriots’ recent performance, it is not surprising that Robert Kraft would express his support for expanding the NFL schedule. The veteran owner made it clear that if the league decides to adopt an 18-game season, he will not oppose it.

The discussion about extending the season isn’t new. When the league first floated the idea of adding an extra regular-season game a few years ago, it received mixed reactions.

Players felt that it would increase the chance of suffering more injuries, making it hard for teams to field a strong roster in the playoffs. The NFL postponed discussing this particular subject for a different occasion.

It became one of the major talking points at this week’s NFL owners’ meeting, and judging by the news coming in, they seem to have no problem with adding an 18th regular-season game. Robert Kraft is part of the group of owners who want an extended season.

I think it would be a lot more exciting for the fans. Every team would go to 18 [games] and two exhibition [games] and eliminate one of the preseason games. Every team, every year, will also play one game overseas.

Robert Kraft said (H/T: Sports Illustrated)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow‘s proposal from last year seems to be the model the league is trying to follow. To ease the burden on players, Burrow suggested adding an extra bye week and reducing the number of preseason games from three to just two. The only addition Kraft made is that all 32 NFL teams must play an international game each year.

Along with Kraft, Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is also in favor of the league expanding to an 18-game season.

I think, as long as the players want it—which I think they would, because it would mean more revenue and, ultimately, a better product—I think it’s reasonable and something we should work toward.

Irsay told the IndyStar

What are Robert Kraft’s plans for the Patriots’ new season?

The Patriots defied the odds in 2025. Football analysts dismissed them early in the season, noting that the team had only won four games the previous year. Moreover, the coaching team went through a complete overhaul.

Robert Kraft Is Onboard with NFL's 18th Regular Season Game but Puts Forward 3 Strong Conditions
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (Image via IMAGO)

Mike Vrabel was appointed as the new head coach, and Kraft reinstated Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator. Drake Maye began his second year with few expectations for improved performance. Despite losing two of the first three fixtures, the Patriots stitched together a winning run and finished with 14 wins, clinching the AFC East.

In the playoffs, they defeated the Chargers, the Texans, and the Broncos to qualify for the Super Bowl, their first time since 2021. It took the Seahawks to stop the Patriots from winning a seventh Lombardi Trophy.

Critics were quick to highlight the favorable schedule, suggesting it gave the Patriots a boost in securing so many victories. With the Patriots drawing the sixth-toughest schedule for the 2026 season, it will prove challenging to replicate the success of last campaign. Kraft is fully aware of the situation but stays optimistic about the team’s chances.

I think actually the team way overachieved what any of us thought would happen, and it was wonderful. We have a tough schedule this season coming up [2026,] but our goal is to make the playoffs and then, anything can happen.

Robert Kraft told Chad Graff of The Athletic

The Patriots face nine teams that went to the playoffs with them last year. It will be interesting to see how they navigate all those games and make a push for another postseason appearance.

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