When did NFL increase from 14 to 16 games

The NFL increased from 14 to 16 regular-season games in 1978. The 16-game schedule then remained in place for decades before the league later moved to 17 games in 2021.

Quick Scoop

• The change happened in 1978.

• It was the league’s first major regular-season expansion in that era.

• The 16-game format lasted until the 2021 expansion to 17 games.

Context

The move from 14 to 16 games is often remembered as the start of the NFL’s modern regular-season structure. That same 1978 season also came with broader schedule and playoff changes.

TL;DR

Answer: 1978.