The NFL schedule for the 2026 season has been released, and it's a doozy. While some teams will have to endure the grind of a long season, others will be grateful for a break from the rigors of Monday night football on the East Coast. Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, is one such coach who welcomes the absence of these games from his team's schedule.
In an interview with CBS LA, McVay expressed his dislike for playing on Monday nights across the country, citing the long wait and travel time as a major inconvenience. He stated, 'I would be lying to you if I said I didn't hate East Coast Monday night games because it feels like you are just waiting around for three weeks waiting to play that game when you travel the day before and then you’re sitting around.'
The Rams have two Monday night games, both at home, against the Giants and Bills. This is a welcome change of pace for McVay, who avoids the long travel and wait times associated with East Coast games. The team's other prime-time matchups are also favorable, with only two road trips, both of which are relatively short.
However, the Rams do have three trips to the East Coast, against the Eagles, Commanders, and Bucs. While the date and time of their game against Tampa Bay are still undecided, the other two games are scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. This means that McVay and his team will still have to endure some travel, but at least they won't have to deal with the added stress of Monday night games on the East Coast.
In my opinion, McVay's dislike for East Coast Monday night games is well-founded. The long wait and travel times can be exhausting for players and coaches alike. It's a testament to the demanding nature of the NFL that teams have to endure these challenges, but it's also a reminder of the importance of scheduling flexibility and player well-being.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the demands of the NFL schedule and the need for player rest and recovery. While some teams will have to play on short notice, others will have the luxury of a more balanced schedule. This highlights the importance of scheduling considerations in the NFL, and how they can impact a team's performance and player health.
In my view, the NFL should consider implementing a more flexible scheduling system that takes into account the varying demands of different regions and teams. This could help to reduce the strain on players and coaches, and potentially improve the overall quality of play. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a schedule that is both challenging and sustainable for all teams involved.
