NFL: How will the new 17-game schedule impact the league?

The 17-game NFL schedule is official. The league will deploy the new format this upcoming season after NFL team owners approved it on Tuesday. The new 17-game schedule will bring increased revenue to the league as well as players, according to ESPN.

.@NFL clubs have approved a 17-game schedule that features each team playing an additional regular-season game and three preseason games beginning in 2021.Learn more: https://t.co/QqeDofxzRJ pic.twitter.com/7adubovbQd

— TroyVincentSr (@TroyVincentSr) March 31, 2021

But that's not the only way the NFL will be affected by the change. The preseason will be cut to three games from four, as the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL and the NFL Player's Association only allows for 20 total games played in one league year.

Many other changes to league operations are expected in response to the new schedule format.

The NFL has expanded to 17 regular season games! The Arizona Cardinals are now on our 2021 home schedule. pic.twitter.com/4dxhbXRVqN

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 31, 2021

NFL teams will now play five inter-conference games instead of four to make up for the extra game. AFC teams will have home-field advantage in 2021 and NFC teams will have it the following year.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke of the possibilities the schedule expansion could bring to the league. "This is a monumental moment in NFL history," Goodell said, according to CBS Sports. "The CBA with the players and the recently completed media agreements provide the foundation for us to enhance the quality of the NFL experience for our fans. And one of the benefits of each team playing 17 regular-season games is the ability for us to continue to grow our game around the world."

---

Many in NFL aren't excited about the new schedule

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette during Super Bowl LV.

Responses to the schedule change weren't all positive. Many players were critical of the 17-game schedule, with most concerned about the effect it will have on the players' health.

"Sixteen (games) is a lot. You know what I mean?" Tampa Bay Buccaneers tailback Leonard Fournette said on Wednesday, according to WFLA in Tampa. "This is a brutal game and injuries do occur, but it is what it is."

"This is a brutal game and injuries do occur but it is what it is."Bucs RB Leonard @_fournette said he will have to be even more diligent now in how he prepares for a 17-game regular season with the @Buccaneers. @WFLAGabrielle reports: https://t.co/L7OHP2SNfj

— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) March 31, 2021

Former NFL receiver Torrey Smith tweeted that adjustments will be needed to help players get through a 17-game schedule.

"17 games in the NFL is great for (money) but they are going to have to adjust practices and what a regular offseason looks like," Smith tweeted Sunday. "Dudes were already falling apart playing 16. As a whole this is great but adjustments have to be made."

17 games in the NFL is great for 💰 but they are going to have to adjust practices and what a regular offseason looks like. Dudes were already falling apart playing 16. As a whole this is great but adjustments have to be made.

— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 28, 2021

New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Karama also tweeted his thoughts Sunday, using expletives and calling the change "dumb."