The National Football League's 102nd season is slated to begin in 2021. (NFL). The league increased the regular season schedule from 16 to 17 games. The additional game will be played between Christmas and New Year's Day, making the season longer than ever before. The only other change to the schedule is that there will be no more Thursday night games. In 2020, all 32 teams will play 13 regular-season games instead of the previously announced 12. The decision was made in response to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic affecting the industry. The NFL has not announced any changes to its schedule for 2021. The NFL season currently lasts approximately four months. In 2011, the season lasted from early September until December 21st with a doubleheader on Monday Night Football on October 24th/25th. In 2012, the season started on September 5th and ended on January 10th with a playoff rematch of the previous year's Super Bowl between the New York Giants and New England Patriots. In 2013, the season started on September 6th and ended on January 19th when the playoffs began. In 2014, the season started on September 7th and ended on January 26th when the playoffs started. In 2015, the season started on September 8th and ended on January 01st 2016 when the playoffs started.