NFL Preseason: 3 Reasons Why It is Important

While it is easy to dismiss the importance of the NFL preseason, it may be more important than you deem it is. The sceptics would say that the preseason games are only for a show, a waste of time and money. However, there is more to this than meet the wanderers’ eyes.

Here’s Why NFL’s Preseason Is So Important

#1 NFL preseason is used to predict division standings, playoffs, and even Super Bowl contenders

The four-week-long preseason attempts at building momentum—for all the football teams, players, and even fans. It creates excitement and drama as well, along with professional play without getting any player injured as much as possible.

For the teams, most notably, they all have the legitimate shots at becoming the next football success story. It is the league-wide optimism that is hard to ignore. There are 31 teams in the NFL, and yet only will emerge triumphantly as the 2019 NFL season champion.

A team’s success could be deeply rooted in the preseason. Team strategists mainly consider these games as the first real test to determine whether their preparations are working or not. If they need to implement new defence and offence, these games are also the likely testing ground.

#2 NFL preseason allows a team to assess talent and performance

Preseason games have no bearing whatsoever records-wise. Nevertheless, each team is looking to complete a 58-player roster. Some of these football players will be booked based on how they played at the preseason games. 

Thus, the preseason is an opportunity to compete at game speeds they probably would encounter in the regular season. It is the experience that young football players yearn for. The majority of these players have not played for the NFL but wished to be included in a team. The third and fourth week of the preseason proved to be the crucial ones.

It may not be significant for the sceptics since no Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr., or Le’Veon Bell would be playing. But it means a regular paying job for those who will be chosen. This is also the reason preseason players focus more on playing than winning. They knew that the coaching staff are watching.

#3 NFL preseason offers an opportunity to increase the bottom-line

This may be an afterthought. However, there are thousands of people who rely on the NFL as their source of livelihood. That means NFL as a whole, not just the regular season, playoffs or Super Bowl.

The preseason games are backup plays that fans still pay for as part of the packaged preseason tickets with season tickets. There is an economic domino effect that benefits those stadium workers, sellers, and even nearby establishments. Taking away one to two preseason games would affect their bottom-line negatively.

Indeed, the preseason signals the unofficial commencement of the NFL season. It exists mainly to allow the teams to gear up for the regular season and evaluate the young rosters of players. The preseason is also an opportunity for ironing out any kinks on the game plan before the regular season starts.

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