NFL Overseas Expansion Raises Travel & Scheduling Concerns

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

International Expansion Raises Scheduling Concerns as Pittsburgh Faces New Orleans

The growing number of international games continues to raise concerns about player health, travel and scheduling. Philadelphia had to travel to London, deal with injuries and then return home for a loss to Carolina. Houston faced a similar turnaround. With nine international games this year and discussions about further expansion, the demands on teams could continue to increase.

More international games appear likely, and a team could eventually play its home schedule in London. Travel to cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Miami could be manageable, but trips from London to the West Coast would be far more difficult. Jacksonville’s experience and the fan base it has built overseas suggest that an expansion team outside the United States could be the next step.

The games provide Sunday morning football for viewers, and recent matchups have been competitive. Houston and Jacksonville produced an incredible game, while Philadelphia and Jacksonville came down to the final play. However, concerns remain about the impact on longtime season-ticket holders, the quality of the product and an increasingly crowded schedule that includes games on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Attention now turns to Pittsburgh and New Orleans. Neither team inspires much confidence despite Pittsburgh entering at 4-2 and New Orleans at 2-4. The Saints might have enjoyed a greater advantage in Louisiana, although playing in the dome did not help them in an emotional Monday night loss to Atlanta.

The lean is toward New Orleans with the points because Pittsburgh has lacked consistency. The Steelers have followed a win-lose pattern, looking poor just when they appear ready to improve and winning just when they seem easy to dismiss. Based on that pattern, Pittsburgh has struggled to win or lose two consecutive games.