2017 NFL season explained

Year:	2017
Regular Season:	–
Playoffs Start:	January 6, 2018
Nflchampion:	Philadelphia Eagles
Nfcchampion:	Philadelphia Eagles
Afcchampion:	New England Patriots
Sb Name:	LII
Sb Date:	February 4, 2018
Sb Site:	U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Pb Date:	January 28, 2018
Pb Site:	Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida

The 2017 NFL season was the 98th season in the history of the National Football League (NFL) and the 52nd of the Super Bowl era. The season began on September 7, 2017, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the defending Super Bowl LI champion New England Patriots in the NFL Kickoff Game. The season concluded with Super Bowl LII, in which the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Philadelphia Eagles defeated the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots to win their first Super Bowl title, and fourth NFL championship, in franchise history, and making the NFC East the first and currently only division where every team has won a Super Bowl.

This would be the last season until 2023 that no regular season games ended in a tie.

For the second time since the league expanded to a 16-game season, a team finished winless in a full season, as Cleveland lost all 16 of their games this season.

For the second consecutive year, a team relocated to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, as the former San Diego Chargers announced their intent to do so in January 2017.^{[1] [2]} This was the first time that the Los Angeles metropolitan area had two teams since 1994.

Player movement

The 2017 NFL League year began on March 9 at 4:00 p.m. ET. On March 7, clubs were allowed to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the agents of players who became unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their contracts two days later. On March 9, clubs exercised options for 2017 on players who have option clauses in their contracts, submitted qualifying offers to their restricted free agents with expiring contracts and to whom desire to retain a Right of Refusal/Compensation, submitted a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2016 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agent credit, and teams were required to be under the salary cap using the "Top-51" definition (in which the 51 highest paid-players on the team's payroll must have a collected salary cap hit below the actual cap). The 2017 trading period also began the same day.

Free agency

A total of 496 players were eligible for some form of free agency at the beginning of the free agency period.^[3] Notable players to change teams via free agency included:

• Quarterbacks Jay Cutler (Chicago to Miami), Brock Osweiler (Houston to Cleveland)
• Running backs Jamaal Charles (Kansas City to Denver), Eddie Lacy (Green Bay to Seattle), Latavius Murray (Oakland to Minnesota), Adrian Peterson (Minnesota to New Orleans), and Mike Tolbert (Carolina to Buffalo)
• Wide receivers Kenny Britt (Los Angeles Rams to Cleveland), Pierre Garçon (Washington to San Francisco), DeSean Jackson (Washington to Tampa Bay), Alshon Jeffery (Chicago to Philadelphia), Brandon Marshall (New York Jets to New York Giants), Terrelle Pryor (Cleveland to Washington), Torrey Smith (San Francisco to Philadelphia), and Robert Woods (Buffalo to Los Angeles Rams),
• Tight ends Martellus Bennett (New England to Green Bay) and Jared Cook (Green Bay to Oakland);
• Offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum (Jacksonville to New York Jets), Matt Kalil (Minnesota to Carolina), T. J. Lang (Green Bay to Detroit), Ronald Leary (Dallas to Denver), Russell Okung (Denver to Los Angeles Chargers), Riley Reiff (Detroit to Minnesota), Mike Remmers (Carolina to Minnesota), Ricky Wagner (Baltimore to Detroit), Larry Warford (Detroit to New Orleans), Andrew Whitworth (Cincinnati to Los Angeles Rams), and Kevin Zeitler (Cincinnati to Cleveland).
• Defensive linemen Calais Campbell (Arizona to Jacksonville) and Johnathan Hankins (New York Giants to Indianapolis)
• Linebackers Jabaal Sheard (New England to Indianapolis), Malcolm Smith (Oakland to San Francisco), and Manti Te'o (Los Angeles Chargers to New Orleans)
• Defensive backs A. J. Bouye (Houston to Jacksonville), Barry Church (Dallas to Jacksonville), Johnathan Cyprien (Jacksonville to Tennessee), Stephon Gilmore (Buffalo to New England), Micah Hyde (Green Bay to Buffalo), Tony Jefferson (Arizona to Baltimore), and Logan Ryan (New England to Tennessee),

Trades

The following notable trades were made during the 2017 league year:

• March 9: Jacksonville traded TE Julius Thomas to Miami in exchange for a 2017 seventh-round pick.^[4]
• March 9: Miami traded T Branden Albert to Jacksonville in exchange for a 2018 seventh-round pick.^[5]
• March 9: Houston traded QB Brock Osweiler, a 2018 second-round pick, and a 2017 sixth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for a 2017 fourth-round pick.^[6]
• March 9: Indianapolis traded TE Dwayne Allen and a 2017 sixth-round pick to New England in exchange for a 2017 fourth-round pick.^[7]
• March 10: New Orleans traded WR Brandin Cooks and a 2017 fourth-round pick to New England in exchange for 2017 first and third-round picks.^[8]
• March 10: Carolina traded DE Kony Ealy and 2017 a third-round pick to New England in exchange for a 2017 second-round pick.^[9]
• March 15: Baltimore traded C Jeremy Zuttah and a 2017 sixth-round pick to San Francisco for a 2017 sixth-round pick.^[10]
• April 4: Baltimore traded DT Timmy Jernigan and a 2017 third-round draft pick to Philadelphia in exchange for a 2017 third-round draft pick.^[11]
• April 26: Seattle traded the contract rights of previously retired RB Marshawn Lynch and a 2018 sixth-round pick to Oakland for a 2018 fifth-round pick.^[12]
• August 11: Buffalo traded WR Sammy Watkins and a 2018 sixth-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams for CB E. J. Gaines and a 2018 second-round pick.^{[13] [14]} That same day, the Bills traded cornerback Ronald Darby to the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver Jordan Matthews and a 2018 third-round draft pick.^[13]

Notable retirements

• OT Ryan Clady: Four-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro (two first-team, one second-team), and Super Bowl 50 champion. Played for Denver and the New York Jets during his nine-year career.^[15]
• WR Andre Johnson: Seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro (two first-team, two second-team). Played for the Houston, Indianapolis, and Tennessee during his 14-year career.^[16]
• T Jake Long: Four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro (one first-team, one second-team), and first overall pick of the 2008 NFL draft. Played for Miami, the St. Louis Rams, Atlanta, and Minnesota during his nine-year career.^[17]
• LB Robert Mathis: Five-time Pro Bowler, two-time All Pro (one first-team, one second-team), and Super Bowl XLI champion. Played for Indianapolis during his entire 14-year career.^[18]
• QB Tony Romo: Four-time Pro Bowler and one-time second-team All-Pro. Played for Dallas during his entire 14-year career.^[19]
• WR Steve Smith Sr.: Five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro (two first-team, one second-team). Played for Carolina and Baltimore during his 16-year career.^[20]
• QB Michael Vick: Four-time Pro Bowler, first overall pick of the 2001 NFL draft, and 2010 Comeback Player of the Year. Played for Atlanta, Philadelphia, the New York Jets, and Pittsburgh during his 13-year career.^[21]
• LB DeMarcus Ware: Nine-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro (four first-team, three second-team), and Super Bowl 50 champion. Played for Dallas and Denver during his 12-year career.^[22]
• WR Roddy White: Four-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro. Played for Atlanta during his entire 11-year career.^[23]
• DT Vince Wilfork: Five-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro (one first-team, three second-team), and two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXIX and XLIX). Played for New England and Houston during his 13-year career.^[24]

Others

Draft

The 2017 NFL draft was held on April 27–29 in Philadelphia. The Cleveland Browns selected Myles Garrett with the first overall pick.

Officiating changes

Alberto Riveron replaced Dean Blandino as the league's Vice President of Officiating.^[25] Blandino would then be hired by Fox Sports as a rule analyst.

The following officials were hired:

• Brian Bolinger (Line Judge)
• Mark Butterworth (Replay Official)
• Mike Carr (Down Judge)
• Mike Chase (Replay Official)
• Ryan Dickson (Field Judge)
• John McGrath (moved from field to Replay Official)
• Jimmy Oldham (Replay Official)
• David Oliver (Line Judge)
• Mearl Robinson (Field Judge)
• Brad Rogers (Field Judge)
• Danny Short (Line Judge)
• Steve Woods (Umpire)

Rule changes

The following rule changes were approved for the 2017 NFL season at the owners' meeting on March 28, 2017:^[26]

• Defensive players are now prohibited from running toward the line of scrimmage and leaping or hurdling over offensive linemen on field goal or PAT attempts, similar to a change made in college football for the 2017 season. Previously this action was permitted as long as the leaper or hurdler did not land on other players.
• Include in the definition of a "defenseless player" receivers tracking the quarterback or looking back for the ball, including inside the legal contact (5 yards from the line of scrimmage) zone.
• Egregious hits to the head (similar to the "targeting" rule in NCAA football) will cause the player to risk immediate disqualification.
• The replay control center will make the final ruling on reviewed plays instead of the game referee, although the referee can still provide input on reviewable plays.
• The sideline replay monitor (the "hood") will be eliminated and replaced with a tablet on the field for the referee to review with the replay control center.
• Crackback blocks are now prohibited by a backfield player in motion, even if he is not more than two yards outside the tackle box when the ball is snapped.
• Make permanent the rule that players who commit two certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties (throwing punches/forearms/kicking, even if they do not connect, directing abusive, threatening, or insulting language toward opponents, teammates, game officials or league officials, and using baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams) in the same game risk automatic disqualification.
• Extend for a second season the change in the touchback spot after a kickoff or safety free kick to the 25-yard line.
• Make illegal actions that would conserve time penalized by the option for a 10-second runoff inside of the two-minute warning of each half or overtime (previously this only applied in the final minute of each half or overtime).
• The 10-second runoff rule for replay reversals applies after the two-minute warning instead of the last minute of the half.^[27]
• If a team commits multiple fouls on the same down with the intent of manipulating the game clock, the team will be penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct and the game clock will be reset. This change was made in response to both the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens employing this strategy by intentionally holding the defensive players to allow the game clock to run down or run out (in the case of the Ravens' game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals) during the previous season. A team may NOT be disqualified if it is their second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against them.
• In response to the move of Sarah Thomas from line judge to head linesman for the 2017 season, the NFL renamed the officiating position of the head linesman to "down judge".

The following rule changes were approved for the 2017 NFL season at the NFL Spring League meeting on May 23, 2017:^[28]

• Overtime has been shortened from 15 minutes to 10 minutes for preseason (thru ; no exhibition season in the next) and regular season games. Playoff games will continue to have 15 minutes for overtime periods.
• Restrictions on celebrations have been relaxed, removing penalties for group celebrations, going to the ground to celebrate, or using the ball as a prop.
• Teams can bring two players back from injured reserve instead of one.
• Teams can now cut their preseason rosters from 90 players to 53 on one day, removing the deadline to get the roster down to 75 players before the final preseason game.
• Teams will not be required to give candidates for general manager final say over the 53-man roster.

The ban on teams contacting potential coaching candidates until that candidate's team has been eliminated from the playoffs was tabled.

2017 deaths

The following people associated with the NFL (or AFL) died in 2017.^[29]

Members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

See also: Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Cortez Kennedy

Kennedy, a defensive tackle who spent 11 years with the Seattle Seahawks from 1990 to 2000 and had his number 96 retired by the organization, was a member of the Hall of Fame's class of 2012. He died May 23 at the age of 48, from suspected cardiac problems.^[30]

Yale Lary

The special teams standout and defensive back played 11 nonconsecutive seasons for the Detroit Lions from 1952 to 1964, winning three championships, and was a member of the Hall's class of 1979. He died May 11 at the age of 86.^[31]

Dan Rooney

was chairman and plurality owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and one of the sons of founding owner Art Rooney, Sr. Having been officially involved with the franchise since 1960, Rooney was a part of all six of the Steelers' Super Bowl victories. In addition to this, Rooney was considered an active and progressive owner in the league's operations, most famously by successfully pushing for the Rooney Rule, an affirmative action policy requiring all NFL franchises to interview persons of color for head coaching vacancies. Concurrently with his role with the Steelers, Rooney also served as United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2014. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, making him and his father the second father-son duo in the Hall behind Tim and Wellington Mara (to whom the Rooneys are related by marriage). Rooney died on April 13 at the age of 84.^[32]

Y. A. Tittle

Tittle, a quarterback, spent 16 seasons in professional football, two in the All-America Football Conference and 14 in the NFL. He played for the Baltimore (Green) Colts, San Francisco 49ers (as a member of the Million Dollar Backfield) and New York Giants throughout his career. He set several passing records during his time in the NFL and is credited for inventing the alley-oop. He was never able to win a league championship despite three consecutive appearances in the game for the Giants, who retired his number 14. He was a member of the Hall's class of 1971. Tittle died October 8 at the age of 90 from complications due to dementia.^[33]

Others

• Dave Adolph
• Bill Anderson
• Pervis Atkins
• Ron Billingsley
• Dave Brazil
• Kevin Cadle
• Bernie Casey
• Bill Cox
• Dick Enberg
• Bill Fischer
• Terry Glenn
• Tom Graham
• Larry Grantham
• Ralph Guglielmi
• James Hadnot
• James Hardy III
• Larry Hayes
• Mitchell Henry
• Aaron Hernandez
• Larry Hickman
• John Hilton
• Claude Hipps
• Michael Jackson
• Edwin Jackson
• Derrick Jensen
• Ken Kranz
• Bob Lee
• Tony Liscio
• Eddie Macon
• George Maderos
• Mickey Marvin
• Clay Matthews Sr.
• Ron Meyer
• Red Miller
• Paul Mitchell
• David Modell
• Tom Modrak
• Rod Monroe
• Quentin Moses
• Leonard Myers
• Tommy Neck
• Tommy Nobis
• Babe Parilli
• Benny Perrin
• Hugh Pitts
• Sonny Randle
• Len Rohde
• Max Runager
• Daniel Te'o-Nesheim
• John Thierry
• Jimmy Thomas
• Ted Topor
• Rick Tuten
• Wayne Walker
• Clarence Williams
• Ellery Williams

Preseason

Training camps for the 2017 season were held in late July through August. Teams started training camp no earlier than 15 days before the team's first scheduled preseason game.

Prior to the start of the regular season, each team played four preseason exhibition games, beginning on August 10. The preseason began on August 3, with the 2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Dallas Cowboys (represented in the 2017 Hall of Fame Class by owner Jerry Jones) and the Arizona Cardinals (represented by quarterback Kurt Warner). It was televised nationally on NBC.^[34] The preseason schedule ended on August 31; One preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, was canceled in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Regular season

The 2017 regular season's 256 games were played over a 17-week schedule which began on September 7. Each of the league's 32 teams plays a 16-game schedule, with one bye week for each team. The slate also features games on Monday nights. There are games played on Thursday, including the National Football League Kickoff game in prime time on September 7 and games on Thanksgiving Day. The regular season concluded with a full slate of 16 games on Sunday, December 31, all of which were the intra–division matchups, as it has been since .

Scheduling formulaUnder the NFL's current scheduling formula, each team plays the other three teams in its own division twice. In addition a team plays against all four teams in one other division from each conference. The final two games on a team's schedule are against the two teams in the team's own conference in the divisions the team was not set to play which finished the previous season in the same rank in their division (e.g. the team which finished first in its division the previous season would play each other team in its conference that also finished first in its respective division). The preset division pairings for 2017 will be as follows.

Intra-conference AFC East vs AFC West AFC North vs AFC South NFC East vs NFC West NFC North vs NFC South

Inter-conference AFC East vs NFC South AFC North vs NFC North AFC South vs NFC West AFC West vs NFC East

Highlights of the 2017 schedule included:

• NFL Kickoff Game: The season started on September 7, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs at the defending Super Bowl LI champion New England Patriots, with the Chiefs winning 42–27.
• NFL International Series: The International Series underwent a split in branding, with each country's games receiving their own brand.
  • NFL London Games: Four games were played in London: the Baltimore Ravens at the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on September 24, the New Orleans Saints at the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadiun on October 1, the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium on October 22, and the Minnesota Vikings at the Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29.^[35] The Jaguars, Saints, Rams, and Vikings won these games 44–7, 20–0, 33–0 and 33–16 respectively.
  • NFL Mexico Game: One game was played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City: the New England Patriots at the Oakland Raiders on November 19. The Patriots won this game 33–8. This marked the second consecutive year in which the Raiders have hosted a game in Mexico City.^{[36] [37] [38]}
• Thanksgiving Day: As has been the case since, three games were played on November 23: the Minnesota Vikings at the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers at the Dallas Cowboys in the traditional afternoon doubleheader, and the New York Giants at the Washington Redskins in the nightcap. The Vikings, Chargers, and Redskins won these games 30–23, 28–6, and 20–10 respectively.^[39]
• Christmas games: Christmas Day, December 25, fell on a Monday. Sunday Night Football moved from December 24, Christmas Eve, to Saturday, December 23, with the Minnesota at the Green Bay Packers. The Sunday afternoon games were played as normal on Christmas Eve. A doubleheader was played on Christmas Day, with a late-afternoon game featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders at the Philadelphia Eagles in the normal Monday Night Football game. The Vikings, Steelers, and Eagles won these contests 16–0, 34–6, and 19–10 respectively.

The entire schedule was released on April 20, 2017.

In-season scheduling changes

The following games were moved or canceled because of severe weather, by way of flexible scheduling, or for other reasons:

• Preseason Week 4: Due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area, the Dallas–Houston game was eventually canceled. The 2017 Texas Governor's Cup preseason game, originally scheduled to be played at Houston's NRG Stadium, was initially moved to the Cowboys' AT&T Stadium, before the NFL opted instead to cancel the game altogether in order to allow Texans' players and coaches to reunite with their families and assist with the relief efforts.^[40]
• Week 1: Due to the threat posed from Hurricane Irma, the Tampa Bay–Miami game was rescheduled to Week 11 (November 19), when both teams were originally scheduled to have their bye week. Both teams therefore had their bye rescheduled to Week 1.^[41] This is the first time a hurricane forced a postponement of an NFL game since when Baltimore and Houston had their game postponed due to Hurricane Ike.
• Week 7: The Cincinnati–Pittsburgh game, originally scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. ET, was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET, still on CBS. In addition, the Carolina–Chicago game was cross-flexed from Fox to CBS, still at 1:00 p.m. ET.^[42]
• Week 12: The New Orleans–Los Angeles Rams game, originally scheduled to start at 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox, was cross-flexed and moved to 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. In addition, the Tennessee–Indianapolis game was cross-flexed from CBS to Fox, still at 1:00 p.m. ET.^[43]
• Week 13: The Carolina–New Orleans game, originally scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. ET, was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET, still on Fox. In addition, the Denver–Miami game was cross-flexed from CBS to Fox, still at 1:00 p.m. ET.^[43]
• Week 14: The Dallas–New York Giants game, originally scheduled to start at 4:25 p.m. ET, was moved to 1:00 p.m. ET, still on Fox. In addition, the Seattle–Jacksonville game, originally scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. ET, was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET, still on Fox.^[44]
• Week 15: The Houston–Jacksonville game was cross-flexed from CBS to Fox, still at 1:00 p.m. ET.^[45]
• Week 17: All games with playoff implications were moved to a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, with no change in network assignment: Cincinnati–Baltimore, Buffalo–Miami, Jacksonville–Tennessee, Carolina–Atlanta, and New Orleans–Tampa Bay. Additionally, no Sunday Night Football game was scheduled for the first time since, marking the first time since that the regular season play concluded with no primetime game. The NFL stated that it did not want to schedule a primetime game that could potentially lose its playoff implications due to the events of the afternoon games, as well as conflicting with New Year's Eve programming.^{[46] [47]}

Regular season standings

Conference

Postseason

See main article: 2017–18 NFL playoffs. The 2017 playoffs began on January 6–7, 2018 with the Wild Card playoff round. The four winners of these playoff games visited the top two seeded teams in each conference in the Divisional round games played on January 13–14. The winners of those games advanced the Conference championship games was held on January 21. The two Conference champions advanced to Super Bowl LII was held on February 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The 2018 Pro Bowl was held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on January 28.

Bracket

Notable events

Protesting police brutality

See main article: U.S. national anthem protests (2016–present). During a September 22, 2017 speech, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, made controversial remarks criticizing the practice of taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem—a practice popularized by Colin Kaepernick in 2016 as part of an effort to protest alleged racial inequality and police brutality. Trump suggested that those who partake in the practice were disrespecting the country's heritage, and asked his audience, "wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He's fired. He's fired!'" During the subsequent weekend of games, over 200 players protested the remarks, by either kneeling or locking arms during the playing of the national anthem. The Pittsburgh Steelers (with the exception of offensive tackle and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva), Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks chose to not go out on field at all during the anthem.^{[48] [49] [50]}

Sale of the Carolina Panthers

On December 17, 2017, Jerry Richardson, owner of the Carolina Panthers, announced he was putting the team up for sale.^{[51] [52]} Richardson had previously indicated the team would be put up for sale after his death (since his only living son left the team in 2009),^[53] but an expose in Sports Illustrated accused Richardson of paying hush money to cover up questionable conduct, including racial slurs and sexually suggestive requests of employees, hastening Richardson's decision.^[54] The Panthers' lease on Bank of America Stadium expired after the 2018 season,^[55] which would have allowed any incoming owner to relocate the team out of the Carolinas to another market of their choice without penalty had they so desired.

Records, milestones, and notable statistics

Week 1

• Kareem Hunt finished with 246 total yards, setting the record for the most total yards (rushing and receiving) in an NFL debut.^{[56] [57]}

Week 2

• Antonio Gates scored his 112th career receiving touchdown, breaking the NFL record for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end. The previous record of 111 was held by Tony Gonzalez.^[58]
• Aaron Rodgers passed for his 300th touchdown, surpassing Peyton Manning as the fastest quarterback to reach that milestone both in attempts and appearances.^[59]

Week 3

• Odell Beckham Jr. broke the record for fastest receiver to reach 300 career receptions, doing so in 45 games.^[60]
• Matt Prater broke the previous NFL record of three made field goals from more than 55 yards in a season by kicking a 57-yard field goal against the Atlanta Falcons.^[61]
• Jake Elliott kicked a 61-yard field goal, the longest for a rookie in NFL history.

Week 5

• Larry Fitzgerald became the third player in NFL history to record 200 straight games with a reception, joining Jerry Rice and Tony Gonzalez.^[62]

Week 6

• Tom Brady recorded his 187th career regular season win as a starting quarterback, setting an NFL record. The previous record of 186 wins was shared by Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.^[63]

Week 7

• Drew Brees became the third player in NFL history to record 500 or more career passing touchdowns (including playoffs), joining Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning.^[64]
• Eddie Jackson became the first player in NFL history with multiple defensive touchdowns of at least 75 yards in the same game.^[65]

Week 9

• Matt Ryan passed for 39,858 career yards after 150 career games, breaking the record for most passing yards by a player in NFL history in his first 150 games previously held by Drew Brees.^[66]
• Eli Manning became the seventh quarterback in NFL history with at least 50,000 passing yards.^[66]

Week 10

• Larry Fitzgerald became the sixth player in NFL history to record 15,000 career receiving yards. He's the second-youngest player in NFL history to do it, behind Jerry Rice.^[67]
• Matt Ryan reached 40,000 career passing yards in 151 games, the fewest games in NFL history, surpassing the previous record held by Drew Brees (152 games).^[68]

Week 11

• Larry Fitzgerald passed Tony Gonzalez into fifth place all-time in receiving yards.^[69]

Week 12

• Julio Jones had 563 catches for 8,649 yards in 90 career games, the most by a player in his first 90 games in NFL history. He passed Anquan Boldin (558) for the most receptions and Lance Alworth (8,502) for the most receiving yards.^[70]
• Russell Wilson became the quarterback with most wins in a player's first six seasons with 63 wins, surpassing Joe Flacco.^[71]
• Eli Manning became the eighth quarterback to lose 100 starts and the first to do so with one team.^[72]

Week 13

• By defeating the Buffalo Bills, Tom Brady broke the record for most wins by a quarterback against one team, with 27. The record was previously held by Brett Favre, who had defeated the Detroit Lions 26 times.^[73]
• Larry Fitzgerald moved into fourth place all-time in receiving yards, passing Isaac Bruce.^[74]
• Larry Fitzgerald surpassed 1,200 career receptions, becoming the third player in NFL history to reach this mark (joining Jerry Rice and Tony Gonzalez) and the fastest player to reach this milestone in 214 games (breaking Rice's record of 221 games).^[75]
• Russell Wilson tied Eli Manning in 2011 for the most fourth quarter touchdowns in a single season with 15.^[76]
• Frank Gore moved past Jerome Bettis and LaDainian Tomlinson for fifth place all-time in rushing yards.^[77]

Week 14

• Larry Fitzgerald moved into third place all-time in receiving yards, passing Randy Moss.^[78]
• Ben Roethlisberger became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 500 yards in three different games.^[79]
• He also set the record for most completions in a regulation game, with 44.

Week 15

• LeSean McCoy surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards, becoming the 30th player in league history to reach the milestone.^[80]

Week 16

• The New England Patriots have won at least 12 games in eight consecutive seasons, surpassing the 2003–09 Indianapolis Colts for the longest such streak in NFL history.^[81]
• Drew Brees became the third quarterback to throw for 70,000 yards, joining Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. Brees reached the milestone in his 248th career game and is the fastest in league history to accomplish the feat.
• Drew Brees surpassed the 4,000 passing yards for the 12th consecutive season, extending his own record.^[81]

Week 17

• The Cleveland Browns joined the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only teams since the implementation of the 16-game season to lose every game in a season.^[82]
• The Buffalo Bills ended the NFL's longest active playoff drought at 17 seasons, making their first playoff appearance since 1999.^[83]
• Frank Gore surpassed 14,000 career rushing yards, becoming the fifth player in NFL history to do so, after Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and Curtis Martin.^[84]

Postseason

Wild Card Round

• The Tennessee Titans became the third away team in NFL history to have rallied from at least 18 points down to win a playoff game, joining the 1957 Detroit Lions and the 1972 Dallas Cowboys^[85]
• Marcus Mariota attempted a pass, which was deflected by Darrelle Revis, back into the hands of Mariota who promptly ran it in for a touchdown, making him the first quarterback in NFL postseason history to complete a touchdown pass to himself.^[86] This also made him the first player in the Super Bowl era with passing and receiving touchdowns in the same playoff game.^[87]

Super Bowl LII

• Super Bowl LII marked an NFL record eighth Super Bowl appearance for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick a QB/head coach duo.^[88]
• It also marked the New England Patriots' 10th Super Bowl appearance, extending their own record.
• Tom Brady's career 357 pass attempts, 235 completions, 2,576 passing yards, and 18 passing touchdowns in the Super Bowl are all records.
• Tom Brady set the single-game record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl with 505.
• The 33 points scored by the Patriots were the most points scored by the losing team in a Super Bowl. Until the Philadelphia Eagles surpassed it with 35 in Super Bowl LVII.

• The Patriots set Super Bowl records for most total yards in a game with 613, the fewest punts in a game with zero, and the most passing yards with 505.
• Jake Elliott set the Super Bowl rookie record by kicking a 46-yard field goal.^[89]
• The Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles combined for several Super Bowl records including, 42 first downs passing, 1,151 total yards, 874 passing yards, fewest punts in the game with one, and four missed PAT conversions. The 1,151 total yards set a record for the most combined yards in any NFL game (regular or post-season)

Regular season statistical leaders

Individual^[90]
Scoring leader	Greg Zuerlein, Los Angeles Rams (158)
Most field goals made	Robbie Gould, San Francisco (39 FGs)
Touchdowns	Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams (19 TDs)
Rushing	Kareem Hunt, Kansas City (1,327 yards)
Passing yards	Tom Brady, New England (4,577 yards)
Passing touchdowns	Russell Wilson, Seattle (34 TDs)
Passer rating	Alex Smith, Kansas City (104.7 rating)
Pass receptions	Jarvis Landry, Miami (112 catches)
Pass receiving yards	Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh (1,533 yards)
Combined tackles	Preston Brown, Buffalo (144 tackles)
Interceptions	Kevin Byard, Tennessee and Darius Slay, Detroit (8)
Punting	Shane Lechler, Houston (4,507 yards, 49.0 average yards)
Pharoh Cooper, Los Angeles Rams (1,331 yards)
Sacks	Chandler Jones, Arizona (17)

Awards

Individual season awards

The 7th Annual NFL Honors, saluting the best players and plays from 2017 season, was held at the Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 3, 2018.^[91]

Award	Winner	Position	Team
		Quarterback	New England Patriots
		Running back	Los Angeles Rams
		Defensive tackle	Los Angeles Rams
		Head coach	Los Angeles Rams
		Offensive coordinator	Minnesota Vikings
		Running back	New Orleans Saints
		Cornerback	New Orleans Saints
		Wide receiver	Los Angeles Chargers
		Running back	New Orleans Saints
		Defensive end	Houston Texans
PFWA NFL Executive of the Year		Executive VP of football operations	Philadelphia Eagles
		Quarterback	Philadelphia Eagles

All-Pro team

The following players were named First Team All-Pro by the Associated Press:

Offense Quarterback Tom Brady, New England Running back Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams Flex Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Wide receiver Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Tight end Rob Gronkowski, New England Left tackle Andrew Whitworth, Los Angeles Rams Left guard Andrew Norwell, Carolina Center Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Right guard David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Right tackle Lane Johnson, Philadelphia

Defense Edge rusher Calais Campbell, Jacksonville Cameron Jordan, New Orleans Interior lineman Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh Linebacker Chandler Jones, Arizona Bobby Wagner, Seattle Luke Kuechly, Carolina Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Xavier Rhodes, Minnesota Safety Kevin Byard, Tennessee Harrison Smith, Minnesota

Special teams
Placekicker	Greg Zuerlein, Los Angeles Rams
Punter	Johnny Hekker, Los Angeles Rams
Kick returner	Pharoh Cooper, Los Angeles Rams
Special teams	Budda Baker, Arizona

Players of the week/month

The following were named the top performers during the 2017 season:

Week/ Month	Offensive Player of the Week/Month		Defensive Player of the Week/Month		Special Teams Player of the Week/Month
	AFC	NFC	AFC	NFC	AFC	NFC
1^[92]	Alex Smith (Chiefs)	Sam Bradford (Vikings)	Calais Campbell (Jaguars)	Trumaine Johnson (Rams)	Giorgio Tavecchio (Raiders)	Matt Prater (Lions)
2^[93]	Tom Brady (Patriots)	J. J. Nelson (Cardinals)	Chris Jones (Chiefs)	Desmond Trufant (Falcons)	Cody Parkey (Dolphins)	Jamal Agnew (Lions)
3^[94]	Tom Brady (Patriots)	Kirk Cousins (Redskins)	Terrence Brooks (Jets)	DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys)	Steven Hauschka (Bills)	Jake Elliott (Eagles)
Sept.^[95]	Kareem Hunt (Chiefs)	Todd Gurley (Rams)	Melvin Ingram (Chargers)	DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys)	Ryan Succop (Titans)	Matt Prater (Lions)
4^[96]	Deshaun Watson (Texans)	Todd Gurley (Rams)	Cameron Heyward (Steelers)	Julius Peppers (Panthers)	Steven Hauschka (Bills)	Greg Zuerlein (Rams)
5^[97]	Melvin Gordon (Chargers)	Aaron Rodgers (Packers)	Telvin Smith (Jaguars)	Earl Thomas (Seahawks)	Adam Vinatieri (Colts)	Kenjon Barner (Eagles)
6^[98]	Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)	Adrian Peterson (Cardinals)	Johnathan Joseph (Texans)	Cameron Jordan (Saints)	Ryan Succop (Titans)	Pharoh Cooper (Rams)
7^[99]	Amari Cooper (Raiders)	Carson Wentz (Eagles)	Kevin Byard (Titans)	Eddie Jackson (Bears)	Travis Benjamin (Chargers)	Kai Forbath (Vikings)
8^[100]	JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers)	Russell Wilson (Seahawks)	Carlos Dunlap (Bengals)	Jalen Mills (Eagles)	Harrison Butker (Chiefs)	Tyrone Crawford (Cowboys)
Oct.^[101]	Deshaun Watson (Texans)	Carson Wentz (Eagles)	Micah Hyde (Bills)	Everson Griffen (Vikings)	Harrison Butker (Chiefs)	Greg Zuerlein (Rams)
9^[102]	T. Y. Hilton (Colts)	Jared Goff (Rams)	Jordan Jenkins (Jets)	Karlos Dansby (Cardinals)	Jaydon Mickens (Jaguars)	Justin Hardee (Saints)
10^[103]	Tom Brady (Patriots)	Cam Newton (Panthers)	A. J. Bouye (Jaguars)	Adrian Clayborn (Falcons)	Dion Lewis (Patriots)	Greg Zuerlein (Rams)
11^[104]	Antonio Brown (Steelers)	Mark Ingram II (Saints)	Matthew Judon (Ravens)	Landon Collins (Giants)	Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots)	Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)
12^[105]	Philip Rivers (Chargers)	Julio Jones (Falcons)	Cameron Heyward (Steelers)	Luke Kuechly (Panthers)	Sam Koch (Ravens)	Phil Dawson (Cardinals)
Nov.^[106]	Tom Brady (Patriots)	Case Keenum (Vikings)	Casey Hayward (Chargers)	Cameron Jordan (Saints)	Justin Tucker (Ravens)	Greg Zuerlein (Rams)
13^[107]	Josh McCown (Jets)	Russell Wilson (Seahawks)	Eric Weddle (Ravens)	Dean Lowry (Packers)	Chris Boswell (Steelers)	Robbie Gould (49ers)
14^[108]	Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)	Jonathan Stewart (Panthers)	Xavien Howard (Dolphins)	Deion Jones (Falcons)	Jaydon Mickens (Jaguars)	Trevor Davis (Packers)
15^[109]	Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)	Todd Gurley (Rams)	Marcus Peters (Chiefs)	Darius Slay (Lions)	Sam Koch (Ravens)	Robbie Gould (49ers)
16^[110]	Dion Lewis (Patriots)	Todd Gurley (Rams)	Mike Hilton (Steelers)	Harrison Smith (Vikings)	Harrison Butker (Chiefs)	Damiere Byrd (Panthers)
17^[111]	Philip Rivers (Chargers)	Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)	Kevin Byard (Titans)	Ezekiel Ansah (Lions)	JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers)	Matt Bryant (Falcons)
Dec.^[112]	Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)	Todd Gurley (Rams)	Jordan Poyer (Bills)	Chandler Jones (Cardinals)	Harrison Butker (Chiefs)	Robbie Gould (49ers)

Week FedEx Air Player of the Week (Quarterbacks)^[113] FedEx Ground Player of the Week (Running backs) Pepsi Rookie of the Week^[114] Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week^[115] 1 Alex Smith (Chiefs) Kareem Hunt (Chiefs) Kareem Hunt (Chiefs) Alex Smith (Chiefs) 2 Trevor Siemian (Broncos) C. J. Anderson (Broncos) Tyus Bowser (Ravens) Trevor Siemian (Broncos) 3 Tom Brady (Patriots) Kareem Hunt (Chiefs) Jake Elliott (Eagles) Jake Elliott (Eagles) 4 Deshaun Watson (Texans) Le'Veon Bell (Steelers) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Deshaun Watson (Texans) 5 Carson Wentz (Eagles) Leonard Fournette (Jaguars) Aaron Jones (Packers) Aaron Rodgers (Packers) 6 Carson Wentz (Eagles) Adrian Peterson (Cardinals) Marshon Lattimore (Saints) Mark Ingram II (Saints) 7 Derek Carr (Raiders) Aaron Jones (Packers) Aaron Jones (Packers) Carson Wentz (Eagles) 8 Russell Wilson (Seahawks) LeSean McCoy (Bills) Marshon Lattimore (Saints) Russell Wilson (Seahawks) 9 Jay Cutler (Dolphins) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Carson Wentz (Eagles) 10 Case Keenum (Vikings) Mark Ingram II (Saints) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Mark Ingram II (Saints) 11 Drew Brees (Saints) Mark Ingram II (Saints) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Drew Brees (Saints) 12 Philip Rivers (Chargers) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Antonio Brown (Steelers) 13 Alex Smith (Chiefs) Jamaal Williams (Packers) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Aaron Jones (Packers) 14 Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) LeSean McCoy (Bills) Jamaal Williams (Packers) Davante Adams (Packers) 15 Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) Todd Gurley (Rams) Marshon Lattimore (Saints) Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) 16 Jared Goff (Rams) Todd Gurley (Rams) Marshon Lattimore (Saints) Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) 17 Philip Rivers (Chargers) Orleans Darkwa (Giants) Alvin Kamara (Saints) Tyler Boyd (Bengals)

Month Rookie of the Month Offensive Defensive Sept.^[116] Kareem Hunt (Chiefs) Tre'Davious White (Bills) Oct.^[117] Deshaun Watson (Texans) Marshon Lattimore (Saints) Nov.^[118] Alvin Kamara (Saints) Reuben Foster (49ers) Dec.^[119] Kareem Hunt (Chiefs) Marshon Lattimore (Saints)

Head coaching and front office personnel changes

Head coaches

Offseason

Team	2016 head coach	2016 interim	2017 replacement	Reason for leaving	Notes
Buffalo Bills	Rex Ryan	Anthony Lynn	Sean McDermott	Fired	Ryan was fired with one week remaining in the 2016 regular season and a 15–16 record with no playoff appearances in two seasons.^[120] Lynn began the 2016 season as running backs coach, then moved to offensive coordinator when Greg Roman was fired in week 3, then interim head coach after the Ryans' dismissal. Lynn lost his one game as interim head coach.^[121] Former Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was named as the Bills' new head coach on January 11, 2017.^[122] This marks McDermott's first head coaching job.
Denver Broncos	Gary Kubiak		Vance Joseph	Retired	Kubiak retired from coaching after two seasons due to health concerns, with a victory in Super Bowl 50 and a 24–10 record, including postseason games.^[123] Kubiak would later return to the Broncos six months later, working for their front office as a Senior Personnel Advisor. Joseph, who spent the previous season as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator, was hired on January 11, 2017,^[124] marking his first head coaching position.
Jacksonville Jaguars	Gus Bradley	Doug Marrone		Fired	Bradley was fired with two weeks remaining in the 2016 season and a 14–48 (.226) record with no playoff appearances in four seasons.^[125] Marrone, the Jaguars' offensive line coach, was previously head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2013 to 2014; he went 1–1 in his two games as interim head coach of the Jaguars.^[126] On January 9, 2017, the Jaguars announced that Marrone would be named permanent head coach.^[127]
Los Angeles Chargers	Mike McCoy		Anthony Lynn		McCoy was fired after four seasons, with one playoff appearance and a 27–37 record.^[128] Lynn was hired as the Chargers' new head coach on January 12, 2017.^[129] He previously coached one game as interim head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2016, with an 0–1 record.
Los Angeles Rams	Jeff Fisher	John Fassel	Sean McVay		Fisher was fired after going 4–9 through the first 13 games of the 2016 season, and 31–45–1 (.414) in his five-year tenure with the Rams, with no playoff appearances.^[130] Fassel, the son of former NFL head coach Jim Fassel, has been the Rams' special teams coach since 2012; he went 0–3 in the interim. On January 12, former Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay was named head coach. At the time of his hiring, McVay was 30 years old, making him the youngest head coach in NFL history (excluding the player-coaches of the 1920s).^[131]
San Francisco 49ers	Chip Kelly		Kyle Shanahan		Kelly was fired after one season with a 2–14 record.^[132] ^[133] Shanahan, who most recently served as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive coordinator, was named the new coach of the 49ers on February 6, 2017.^[134] This marked Shanahan's first head coaching position.

In-season

Front office personnel

Offseason

Team	Position	2016 office holder	Reason for leaving	2017 office holder	Notes
San Francisco 49ers	GM	Trent Baalke	Fired	John Lynch	Baalke, who spent the past twelve years with the team, informed KNBR-AM in San Francisco on January 1, 2017, that he had been fired.^[136] On January 29, 2017, Lynch, a former player and broadcaster, was named the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers; it is his first front office position.^[137] ^[138]
Jacksonville Jaguars	EVP-FO	position created	Tom Coughlin	Coughlin, the team's inaugural head coach, was rehired as executive vice president of football operations on January 9, 2017. He had spent the 2016 season out of football after several years of coaching the New York Giants.
Indianapolis Colts	GM	Ryan Grigson	Fired	Chris Ballard	Grigson was relieved of his duties as Colts general manager on January 21, 2017.^[139] On January 30, 2017, Chris Ballard, who had spent the past four seasons as director of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs, was named the new GM of the Colts.
Washington Redskins	GM	Scot McCloughan	Vacant	McCloughan was fired on March 9, 2017, after two seasons with the Redskins.^[140] Doug Williams was named senior vice president of player personnel on June 13, 2017.^[141]
Buffalo Bills	GM	Doug Whaley	Brandon Beane	Whaley was fired the morning of April 30, 2017, immediately following the draft. He had spent seven seasons with the Bills, four of them as general manager.^[142] Brandon Beane, who had spent the previous 19 seasons with the Carolina Panthers (most recently as assistant general manager), was hired as the new general manager on May 9, 2017.^[143]
Kansas City Chiefs	GM	John Dorsey	Brett Veach	Dorsey was unexpectedly fired on June 22, 2017, after four seasons.^[144] Brett Veach, who had spent the past four seasons as the Chiefs co-director of player personnel, was promoted to general manager on July 10, 2017.^[145]
Carolina Panthers	GM	Dave Gettleman	Marty Hurney	Gettleman was also unexpectedly fired after four seasons on July 17, 2017.^[146] Marty Hurney, who was the Panthers' GM from 2002 to 2012, was rehired as the interim general manager for the 2017 season and was later named general manager on a permanent basis.^[147] ^[148]

In-season

Team	Position	2017 office holder	Reason for leaving	Interim replacement	Notes
New York Giants	GM	Jerry Reese	Fired	Kevin Abrams	Having been in the organization since 1994, Reese was the Giants GM since 2007, leading them to two Super Bowl championships and several years of success. He was fired on December 4 along with head coach Ben McAdoo. He was replaced in the interim by former Detroit Lions cornerback Kevin Abrams, who has no previous front office experience.^[149]
Cleveland Browns	VP/GM	Sashi Brown	John Dorsey	Brown was fired on December 7. Brown, who had served as the team's lawyer since 2013, was given the duties of general manager in 2016 despite no prior experience in football. He was considered responsible for trading away the high round draft picks that ended up being Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson. In addition, he failed to follow through on a trade for Bengals backup quarterback A. J. McCarron, which was attributed to him simply failing to inform the league of the trade in time.^[150] Later that day, the Browns named former Kansas City Chiefs GM John Dorsey as their new GM. As general manager in Kansas City from 2013 to 2016, the Chiefs recorded a record.^[151]

Stadiums

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons played their first season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, after playing in the Georgia Dome for the previous 25 seasons. The Georgia Dome was demolished by implosion on the morning of November 20, 2017.

Relocations

San Diego Chargers' relocation to Los Angeles

On January 12, 2017, the San Diego Chargers exercised their option to relocate to Los Angeles as the Los Angeles Chargers. They joined the Los Angeles Rams as tenants in their new stadium, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California when that stadium opened in 2020. Between 2017 and 2019, the Chargers played at the 30,000 seat StubHub Center in Carson, California, the smallest venue (in terms of number of seats) the league has used for a full season since 1956.^[2]

Oakland Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas

See main article: Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas. On January 19, 2017, the Oakland Raiders filed paperwork to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada. The NFL officially approved the Raiders relocation to Las Vegas on March 27. Unlike the Chargers, the Raiders remained at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum through the 2018 and 2019 seasons while Allegiant Stadium was built, with the team moving to Nevada in 2020.^[152]

Attendance

The Los Angeles Rams, who had capped season ticket sales at 55,000 for the 2017 season, announced to have 60,128 spectators in the first home game on week 1. However, reports estimate that spectators only filled a third of the 93,607 seats of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.^[153] The Los Angeles Chargers did not sell out their week 2 game at the StubHub Center, which was never expanded to 30,000 seats as originally stated and has typically had less than 26,000 fans in attendance.^[154] When the StubHub Center was at capacity, the majority of the fans present were supporters of the opposing team. Among the most notable examples was the October 1 game against Philadelphia Eagles being a mainly pro-Philadelphia crowd.^{[155] [156]}

The San Francisco 49ers reported a Week 3 attendance total that exceeded the capacity of Levi's Stadium, even as wide swaths of empty seats were seen throughout the game.^[157] This followed similar sparse attendance for the 49ers' home opener.^[158] Even the Dallas Cowboys, a team whose fan base is among the largest in the United States, played their week 13 Thursday Night Football game in front of a half-empty AT&T Stadium.^[159] The lifting of the league's blackout policy was cited as one factor in the decline in ticket sales, as viewers would rather watch from the comfort of their homes, especially when weather conditions were less than ideal. At a Colts-Bills game held in blinding lake-effect snow on December 10, scalpers said they had not sold any tickets, an extreme rarity.^[160] A majority of television sets in all Western New York were tuned into some portion of the game, the highest viewership for a non-Super Bowl NFL game in the region since record-keeping began.^[161]

New uniforms and patches

• Twenty-five teams transitioned to Nike's new uniform template.^[162] While most teams have just transitioned to it without any actual changes to the uniforms themselves, the New Orleans Saints,^[163] Cincinnati Bengals,^[164] and Los Angeles Rams^[165] uniforms are the most noticeable in it, fixing their collars in the process.
• The Detroit Lions unveiled new uniforms on April 13, 2017, eliminating all black elements from the uniform and logo for the first time since 2002. They added a new alternate uniform as well as a new Color Rush uniform.^[166]
• The Los Angeles Rams announced they would be switching their primary helmets to white and blue, similar to their Color Rush helmets. The team had fans vote on the color of their facemask, which would be white, and the design of their pants, which would be white with a blue stripe. The Rams also announced that they would explore a full rebrand in the near future.^[167]
• The Cincinnati Bengals will wear a patch to commemorate their 50th season.^[168]
• The San Francisco 49ers have altered their sleeve striping from 3 stripes to 2 stripes.^[169]
• The Seattle Seahawks dedicated their season to former Seahawks defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, who died on May 23, 2017, by wearing a No. 96 decal on their helmets.^[170]
• The Pittsburgh Steelers will wear a patch to honor their former chairman, the late Dan Rooney, who died in April, at the age of 84. The patch will feature a shamrock, with Rooney's initials "DMR". The last time the Steelers wore a jersey patch was when Art Rooney died in 1988. They also donned a helmet decal to honor Chuck Noll, who died in 2014.^[171]
• The Dallas Cowboys will wear blue jerseys at home on a more regular basis, marking the first time the team has worn blue jerseys at home outside of Thanksgiving games since the NFL allowed teams to wear white jerseys at home in 1964. Despite the team's well-documented blue jersey "jinx", player preference as well as stronger retail sales of the navy blue jerseys over the white ones have prompted the team's decision. The blue jerseys will be worn for "high-profile" games at AT&T Stadium.^[172]
• The New York Giants wore a No. 14 decal on their helmets to honor Y. A. Tittle, who died on October 8, 2017.^[173] Later, they would wear a "JHT" patch from Week 10 onwards, in honor of Joan Tisch, the mother of Giants co-owner Steve Tisch, who died on November 2, 2017.^[174]
• The Buffalo Bills wore their all-red Color Rush uniforms when they faced the Indianapolis Colts in the aforementioned December 10 "snow game", the first team to do so on a Sunday, and the fourth team overall.^[175]
• All current and former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winners will wear a patch on their jerseys in perpetuity to acknowledge to recognize their outstanding contributions to the game and to their communities. Similarly, current nominees will wear a decal on their helmets for the rest of the season.^[176]
• The Atlanta Falcons wore their all red color rush jerseys with black numbers against the Saints on December 7, 2017. The numbers were a classic form of numbers. The alternate has the regular Falcon unlike the other alternate. The regular Atlanta Falcons' alternate is a black jersey, with a black helmet, and on the black helmet is the original Falcons logo.^[177]

Media

Broadcast rights

Television

This was the fourth season under the league's broadcast contracts with its television partners. ESPN continued to air Monday Night Football, while ESPN2 simulcast ESPN Deportes' Spanish-language Monday Night Football broadcasts for the first nine weeks of the regular season; this served as filler programming for the channel until the start of its Monday-night college basketball broadcasts.^[178] Along with ESPN's Wild Card game on ABC, ESPN also simulcast the 2018 Pro Bowl on ABC, marking the return of the Pro Bowl to ABC for the first time since 2003.^[179]

The practice of "cross-flexing" (switching) Sunday afternoon games continued between CBS and Fox before or during the season, regardless of whether the visiting team is in the AFC (which CBS normally airs) or the NFC (which is normally carried by Fox). NBC continued to air Sunday Night Football, the annual Kickoff game, and the primetime Thanksgiving game, and broadcast Super Bowl LII. This also was the second and final year of the current Thursday Night Football contract with CBS, NBC, and NFL Network.

Although never explicitly announced, the league continued the moratorium on its blackout policy, ensuring all games would be televised in the market of their home teams regardless of ticket sales.^[180]

Because of fog and smoke obstruction, NBC was forced to televise large portions of two of their Sunday Night Football games from the skycam angle. Positive reception led NBC to experiment with increased usage of the angle as a primary view during its November 16 and December 14 Thursday Night Football telecasts. Because the angle distorts distance, the traditional sideline camera angle was used for close-yardage situations such as the red zone.^[181]

Digital

In over-the-top rights, Amazon Video acquired non-exclusive streaming rights to the 10 broadcast television Thursday Night Football games for $50 million. These streams are exclusive to paid Amazon Prime subscribers, in contrast to Twitter, which held the rights to the same package in 2016 and had made those streams free to most of the world.^{[182] [183]}

Verizon Communications acquired international streaming rights to an NFL London Game between the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars, in a similar arrangement to the 2015 game that was streamed by Yahoo!—which was acquired by Verizon in 2017. The game was streamed by Yahoo and other Verizon-owned platforms, including AOL, go90, and Complex.^{[184] [185]} NFL Network remains a partner with Twitter for online content, including its new streaming news program NFL Blitz Live.^{[186] [187]} The NFL also reached a deal with Facebook in September 2017 to offer video highlights following games, and streaming programs on the service's new Watch platform.^[188]

This was the final season of the NFL's exclusive mobile streaming contract with Verizon Wireless; the league intended to no longer have a single exclusive partner going forward, citing changes to viewing habits.^[189] On December 11, 2017, the NFL announced that it had agreed to a new 5-year, $2.5 billion digital rights agreement with Verizon, allowing it to stream in-market Sunday afternoon games, as well as all nationally televised games, across its mobile platforms. Unlike the previous deal, these streams are no longer exclusive to Verizon Wireless subscribers, as Verizon planned to leverage the divisions of its digital media subsidiary Oath (including the aforementioned Yahoo) as a platform to promote these streams to a larger audience, as well as other digital content and expanded highlights rights. As part of the agreement, Verizon began allowing access to its existing mobile streams to non-customers for the 2017–18 playoffs.^[190] As the new contract is non-exclusive, the NFL's television partners may negotiate to add the mobile streaming rights that were reserved to Verizon under the previous contract; NBC was the first to do so.^[191]

Two new international digital rights deals led to user criticism over their quality of service. In Canada, NFL Sunday Ticket shifted from distribution through television providers to the over-the-top provider DAZN, while in Europe, Deltatre took over European distribution of NFL Game Pass and launched new mobile apps. Both services faced criticism over their streaming quality, while Delatre's app faced criticism for having bugs and initially lacking features seen in the previous version of the platform. The Independent exposed that Deltatre had also issued an internal e-mail instructing its employees to give the apps 5-star reviews. DAZN subsequently announced that it would return to distributing Sunday Ticket through Canadian television providers in addition to their OTT service.^{[192] [193]}

Radio

This was the final season of the NFL's existing national radio contract with Westwood One.^[194] Entravision (in the last year of a three-year deal)^[195] and ESPN Deportes Radio split Spanish broadcast rights.^[196]

Commercials

The league has sought to reduce the number of standard commercial breaks (media timeouts) on its telecasts from 21 to 16, four in each quarter, with each break extended by one additional 30-second commercial. One particular scenario the league sought to eliminate is the "double-up", in which a network cuts to a commercial after a scoring play, then airs the kickoff, and again goes to commercial before play from scrimmage resumes. Under the proposal, the league will allow networks to cut to commercial during instant replay reviews, which it had not been allowed to do before. Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the changes are being made in an attempt to consolidate downtime between the actual game play so that there are fewer and less noticeable interruptions; he does not expect the changes to have an appreciable impact on the real-time length of a game, which currently clocks in at slightly over three hours.^[197]

The NFL has also, as a trial, lifted its ban on the broadcast of commercials for distilled spirits during its telecasts. However, they are subject to restrictions; a maximum of four liquor ads may be broadcast per-game, along with two per-pregame and postgame show. These ads may not contain football-related themes or target underage viewers, and must contain a "prominent social responsibility message".^{[198] [199]}

Personnel changes

Tony Romo, who announced his retirement as a player on April 4, 2017, joined CBS, where he replaced Phil Simms as lead color commentator. Simms and Nate Burleson, who comes over from NFL Network, will replace Tony Gonzalez and Bart Scott on CBS's pregame show, The NFL Today.^{[200] [201]} Jay Cutler also announced his retirement from professional football on May 5 and was slated to join Fox as a color analyst for its NFL coverage;^[202] he later rescinded that announcement in August and joined the Miami Dolphins.^[203] Gonzalez will move to Fox, where he will join Fox NFL Kickoff; upon his departure, Gonzalez stated that he wished to pursue opportunities closer to his home in California, rather than travel to New York weekly to appear on CBS. James Lofton, coming over from radio, will replace Solomon Wilcots as a CBS analyst.^[204]

On May 31, 2017, it was announced that Mike Tirico would replace Al Michaels on play-by-play on NBC's portion of the Thursday Night Football package, joined by Cris Collinsworth.^[205] The NFL had previously required this role to be filled by NBC's lead broadcast team of Michaels and Collinsworth; Tirico called a limited slate of games in 2016, including several NBC-broadcast games as a fill-in for Michaels (who voluntarily took several games off due to the increased number he was calling that season), and as part of a secondary team for selected games the TNF package.^{[206] [207]} He will also succeed Bob Costas as the lead studio host for NBC.^{[208] [209]} However, due to its proximity to the 2018 Winter Olympics (where he also succeeded Bob Costas as lead host), Tirico did not participate in NBC's Super Bowl LII coverage.^[210]

Beth Mowins became the second woman to call play-by-play for a national NFL broadcast, following Gayle Sierens in 1987, when she served as play-by-play announcer for the nightcap in ESPN's Week 1 Monday Night doubleheader, with Rex Ryan as her color commentator.^[211] In an unusual case of a broadcaster working for two networks in the same season, Mowins also called a regional game for CBS in Weeks 3, 15 and 17, with Jay Feely as her partner.^[212]

Also, this would end up being the last season for the Monday Night Football broadcast team of Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, and Lisa Salters. Gruden would return to coaching the next year for the Oakland Raiders, while McDonough would return to doing College Football for ESPN, although Salters will still be on MNF. McDonough will be replaced by Joe Tessitore, who has done work for ESPN as a College Football announcer, like McDonough, while Jason Witten, who would end up retiring after this season, will replace Gruden, with Booger McFarland, being added as a field analyst.

Most watched regular season games

• DH = doubleheader; SNF = NBC Sunday Night Football

Rank	Date !	Matchup	Network	Viewers (millions)	TV rating ^[213]	Window	Significance
1	December 17, 4:25 ET	New England Patriots	27	Pittsburgh Steelers	24	CBS	26.9	15.2	Late DH	2016 AFC Championship rematch
2	November 23, 4:30 ET	Los Angeles Chargers	28	Dallas Cowboys	6		26.3	11.1	Thanksgiving
3	September 17, 4:25 ET	Dallas Cowboys	17	Denver Broncos	42	Fox	26.0	14.3	Late DH
4	November 23, 12:30 ET	Minnesota Vikings	30	Detroit Lions	23		24.7	11.4	Thanksgiving	Lions–Vikings rivalry
5	September 10, 8:30 ET	New York Giants	3	Dallas Cowboys	19	NBC	24.4	13.4	SNF	Cowboys–Giants rivalry
6	October 8, 4:25 ET	Green Bay Packers	35	Dallas Cowboys	31		23.9	13.6	Late DH	Cowboys–Packers rivalry 2016 NFC Divisional Round rematch
7	December 10, 4:25 ET	Philadelphia Eagles	43	Los Angeles Rams	35		23.8	13.7	Late DH
8	December 24, 4:25 ET	Seattle Seahawks	21	Dallas Cowboys	12		23.0	12.2	Late DH
9	September 10, 4:25 ET	Seattle Seahawks	9	Green Bay Packers	17		22.8	12.7	Late DH	2014 NFC Championship rematch
10	November 12, 4:25 ET	Dallas Cowboys	7	Atlanta Falcons	27		22.0	12.8	Late DH

• Note – Late DH matchups listed in table are the matchups that were shown to the largest percentage of the market.

Notes and References

1. News: Spanos. Dean. Letter From Dean Spanos. San Diego Chargers. January 12, 2016. January 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170112163804/http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/01/12/letter-dean-spanos. January 12, 2017. dead.
2. News: Chargers announce decision to relocate to Los Angeles. National Football League. January 12, 2017. January 12, 2017.
3. Web site: 2017 Free Agent List. National Football League. April 22, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170909100858/http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/68498/309/2017-nfl-free-agent-list. September 9, 2017. dead.
4. Web site: PRESS RELEASE: Dolphins Trade For Julius Thomas. MiamiDolphins.com. March 9, 2017. March 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170312064913/http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/press-releases/article-1/PRESS-RELEASE-Dolphins-Trade-For-Julius-Thomas/1acb9fa9-9452-4587-81d2-30d587deb975. March 12, 2017. dead. mdy-all.
5. Web site: It's official: Branden Albert acquired in trade. Jaguars.com. March 9, 2017. John. Oehser. March 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170309234029/http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/It%E2%80%99s-official-Branden-Albert-acquired-in-trade/e0b21f81-ef4c-4cde-9170-79c16b83b8ee. March 9, 2017. dead.
6. Web site: Browns acquire 2018 2nd round pick, QB Brock Osweiler in trade with Texans . ClevelandBrowns.com . March 9, 2017 . March 9, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170329202354/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-acquire-2018-2nd-round-pick-QB-Brock-Osweiler-in-trade-with-Texans/f9458e02-cc84-4495-8211-47a42e1ba319 . March 29, 2017 . dead . mdy-all .
7. Web site: Patriots acquire TE Dwayne Allen in a trade with Indianapolis. Patriots.com. March 9, 2017.
8. Web site: Saints trade Brandin Cooks to Patriots for No. 32 pick . NFL.com . May 22, 2017.
9. Web site: Carolina Panthers trade DE Kony Ealy to Patriots . NFL.com . March 10, 2017 . May 22, 2017.
10. Web site: Meyer. Max. Niners acquire Jeremy Zuttah in trade with Ravens. https://web.archive.org/web/20170316011444/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000793305/article/niners-acquire-jeremy-zuttah-in-trade-with-ravens. dead. March 16, 2017. NFL.com. March 15, 2017.
11. Web site: Baltimore Ravens trade DT Timmy Jernigan to Philadelphia Eagles for draft pick . Espn.com . April 4, 2017 . May 22, 2017.
12. Web site: Raiders Home . M.raiders.com . May 22, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180418121154/http://m.raiders.com/news/article-1/Oakland-Raiders-Acquire-RB-Marshawn-Lynch/ca23f583-d270-4231-840b-9d83dcd26bb3 . April 18, 2018 . dead . mdy-all .
13. Web site: Bills trade Sammy Watkins to Rams, acquire Matthews. Sessler, Marc. NFL.com. August 11, 2017.
14. Web site: Rams Acquire WR Sammy Watkins in Trade With Bills. Bodenrader, Mark. TheRams.com. August 11, 2017. August 18, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170813230008/http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Rams-Acquire-WR-Sammy-Watkins-in-Trade-With-Bills/5fd0d5f6-c4e2-4f26-a6a7-7893b10aab46. August 13, 2017. dead.
15. Web site: Patra. Kevin. Veteran LT Ryan Clady announces retirement from NFL. NFL.com. August 1, 2017. February 10, 2023.
16. Web site: Sessler. Mark. Andre Johnson retires after 14 seasons in NFL. NFL.com. October 31, 2016. February 10, 2023.
17. Web site: Jake Long retires after 9 seasons. ESPN.com. April 24, 2017. February 10, 2023.
18. Web site: Wells. Mike. Veteran LB Robert Mathis to retire after 14 seasons with Colts. ESPN.com. December 30, 2016. February 10, 2023.
19. Web site: Cowboys Release Tony Romo; QB Retires, Enters CBS Broadcast Booth. Helman, David. DallasCowboys.com. April 4, 2017.
20. Web site: Hensley. Jamison. Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. says he's probably retiring after 16 seasons. ESPN.com. December 28, 2016. February 10, 2023.
21. Web site: Wagner-McGough. Sean. Michael Vick officially retires, says Vikings 'dropped the ball' by not signing him. CBSsports.com. February 3, 2017. February 10, 2023.
22. Web site: Wesseling. Chris. Broncos LB DeMarcus Ware retires after 12 NFL seasons. NFL.com. March 13, 2017. February 10, 2023.
23. Web site: McClure. Vaughn. Roddy White closes door on possible football comeback. ESPN.com. April 14, 2017. February 10, 2023.
24. Web site: Reiss. Mike. Vince Wilfork signs one-day contract, retires as a Patriot. ESPN.com. August 9, 2017. February 10, 2023.
25. Bonesteel, Matt.Alberto Riveron to replace Dean Blandino as NFL's new director of officiating. Chicago Tribune. 25 January 2017.
26. Web site: Patra. Kevin. NFL passes no leaping rule, approves ban for head hits. NFL.com. March 28, 2017. March 28, 2017.
27. Web site: Schultz . Mark . 2017-09-07 . 10-second runoff rule expands by one minute . 2024-03-02 . Football Zebras . en-US.
28. Web site: Thomas. Jeanna. NFL voted on rule changes for the 2017 season, and we graded each one. SBNation.com. May 23, 2017. May 23, 2017.
29. Web site: 2017 Pro Football Deaths. Pro-Football-Reference.com.
30. Web site: Seahawks icon and Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy dead at 48. ESPN.com. May 23, 2017. February 16, 2023.
31. Web site: Lions great, Pro Football Hall of Famer Yale Lary dies at 86. NFL.com. May 12, 2017. February 16, 2023.
32. Web site: Steelers chairman Dan Rooney dies at 84. ESPN.com. April 13, 2017. February 16, 2023.
33. Web site: Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle dies at age 90. ESPN.com. October 8, 2017. February 16, 2023.
34. Web site: Next year's Hall of Fame Game moved to Thursday night | ProFootballTalk . Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com . December 28, 2016 . May 22, 2017.
35. Web site: 2017 London games: NFL announces which teams will be playing. NFL.com. NFL. December 13, 2016.
36. Web site: November 29, 2016 . NFL in Mexico City, 2017 edition: Patriots and the Raiders? . . December 9, 2016.
37. Web site: Raiders to host Patriots in Mexico City next season . NFL.com . May 22, 2017.
38. Web site: NFL schedule 2017: Dates, kickoff times for International Series games in London, Mexico | NFL . Sporting News . April 20, 2017 . May 22, 2017 . May 25, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170525043601/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/nfl-schedule-2017-dates-kickoff-times-for-international-series-games-in-london-mexico/6vruezmeasok1m3shi6a4h6gn . dead .
39. News: Tesfatsion . Master . Redskins to host first Thanksgiving game in franchise history . . May 22, 2017.
40. Web site: Cowboys versus Texans preseason game canceled . NFL.com . August 30, 2017 . August 30, 2017.
41. Web site: Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Miami Dolphins Game To Be Played In Week 11 On Sunday, November 19 . NFL Communications . September 6, 2017. September 6, 2017.
42. Web site: Bengals-Steelers on Oct. 22 'flexed' to later start time. https://web.archive.org/web/20171013070424/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000860069/article/bengalssteelers-on-oct-22-flexed-to-later-start-time. dead. October 13, 2017. .
43. Web site: NFL SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR WEEKS 12 & 13. nflcommunications.com. en. November 15, 2017.
44. Web site: Week 14 Schedule Changes. nflcommunications.com.
45. Web site: Week 15 Schedule Change. nflcommunications.com.
46. News: NFL Cancels New Year's Eve Sunday Night Football Game After Realizing It Scheduled A New Year's Eve Sunday Night Football Game. Burke. Timothy. Deadspin. December 25, 2017. en-US.
47. News: NFL finalizes Week 17 schedule; no Sunday Night Football game. NFL.com. December 25, 2017. en.
48. News: Donald Trump blasts NFL anthem protesters: 'Get that son of a bitch off the field'. Graham. Bryan Armen. September 23, 2017. The Guardian. December 11, 2017. en-GB. 0261-3077.
49. Web site: After Trump Blasts N.F.L., Players Kneel and Lock Arms in Solidarity . Belson . Ken . Manchester . Sam . September 24, 2017 . The New York Times . en-US . September 24, 2017 . Mather . Victor.
50. News: NFL player protests sweep league after President Donald Trump's hostile remarks. USA Today. December 11, 2017. en.
51. Web site: Jerry Richardson will put Carolina Panthers up for sale. panthers.com. December 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171218005816/http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Jerry-Richardson-will-put-Carolina-Panthers-up-for-sale/b4b0e583-fe21-4935-9a3a-242005729697. December 18, 2017. dead. mdy-all.
52. Web site: Jerry Richardson selling Panthers franchise amid misconduct allegations. December 17, 2017. SB Nation. December 17, 2017.
53. http://www.wbtv.com/story/20601678/jerry-richardson-mandates-carolina-panthers-be-sold-after-death Source: Richardson mandates Panthers be sold after death
54. Wertheim. L. Jon. Bernstein. Viv. Sources: Jerry Richardson, Panthers Have Made Multiple Confidential Payouts for Workplace Misconduct, Including Sexual Harassment and Use of a Racial Slur. Sports Illustrated. December 17, 2017 . Sports Illustrated. December 18, 2017.
55. Web site: Carolina Panthers rule out more public cash for stadium. Ely. Portillo. The Charlotte Observer. July 23, 2014. February 25, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20141122021556/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/07/23/5061804/more-public-cash-for-panthers.html#.VO4f_nXN_Qo. November 22, 2014. dead.
56. News: Chiefs highlights from Week 1: Alex Smith, Kareem Hunt dominate. September 8, 2017. Chiefs Wire. September 27, 2017. en-US.
57. News: Kareem Hunt Sets NFL Record with 246 Yards from scrimmage in Debut. Polacek. Scott. Bleacher Report. September 27, 2017. en-US.
58. Web site: Chargers' Antonio Gates breaks tight end TD record. .
59. Web site: Aaron Rodgers Becomes Fastest QB Ever to Reach 300 Career Touchdowns. Joseph. Zucker. Bleacher Report.
60. News: Odell Beckham Jr. becomes fastest WR ever to 300 career receptions with athletic TD. SBNation.com. September 28, 2017.
61. Web site: Matt Prater sets a full-season record in only three games . September 27, 2017 . NBC Sports . en-US . September 28, 2017.
62. News: Larry Fitzgerald has caught a pass in 200 straight games. SBNation.com. October 10, 2017.
63. Web site: Dillon. Kevin. Tom Brady becomes all-time leader in regular season QB wins, collecting 187th win with Patriots. Masslive. October 16, 2017.
64. Web site: Drew Brees becomes fourth player in NFL history to throw at least 500 TD passes . October 22, 2017 . Land of 10 . en-US . October 23, 2017 . October 23, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171023230944/https://www.landof10.com/purdue/drew-brees-becomes-fourth-player-nfl-history-throw-least-500-td-passes . dead .
65. Web site: SEVEN FROM SUNDAY - WEEK 7. nflcommunications.com.
66. Web site: THE WEEK THAT WAS – WEEK 9. nflcommunications.com.
67. Web site: Weinfuss. Josh. Larry Fitzgerald becomes second-youngest player to reach 15,000 receiving yards. ESPN. November 10, 2017. November 10, 2017.
68. Web site: SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 10. nflcommunications.com.
69. Web site: Weinfuss. Josh. With TD catch, Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald in 5th place on all-time receiving yards list. ESPN. November 19, 2017. November 19, 2017.
70. Web site: SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 12. nflcommunications.com.
71. Web site: By The Numbers: Seahawks at 49ers. seahawks.com. November 28, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171128023221/http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/11/27/numbers-seahawks-49ers. November 28, 2017. dead. mdy-all.
72. Web site: Eli Manning becomes 8th NFL QB with 100 regular season losses. November 23, 2017.
73. Web site: A win on Sunday will give Tom Brady most wins ever recorded against a single opponent. November 30, 2017. buffalonews.com.
74. Web site: Weinfuss. Josh. Larry Fitzgerald passes Isaac Bruce on all-time receiving yards list. ESPN.com. December 3, 2017. December 4, 2017.
75. Web site: THE WEEK THAT WAS – WEEK 13. nflcommunications.com.
76. Web site: By The Numbers: Seahawks vs Eagles. seahawks.com. December 5, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171205052113/http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/12/04/numbers-seahawks-vs-eagles. December 5, 2017. dead.
77. News: Gore jumps LT, Bettis for fifth on rushing list. ESPN.com. December 12, 2017. Mike Wells.
78. Web site: Weinfuss. Josh. Larry Fitzgerald's place in the record books a long, winding road. ESPN.com. December 11, 2017. December 11, 2017.
79. Web site: Big Ben first QB to post three 500-yard games . ESPN.com . December 11, 2017 . December 18, 2017.
80. Web site: LeSean McCoy reflects on eclipsing 10K rushing yards, opens up about Kiko Alonso trade. December 18, 2017. usatoday.com.
81. Web site: SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 16. nflcommunications.com.
82. Web site: Cleveland Browns finish 2017 season 0-16. NFL.com. December 31, 2017.
83. Web site: Bills, Titans, Falcons make way into playoffs with wins. usatoday.com. December 31, 2017.
84. Web site: Colts' Frank Gore reaches 14,000-yard milestone, joining elite group. ESPN.com. December 31, 2017. January 1, 2018.
85. Web site: Titans rally from 21-3 hole, beat Chiefs 22-21 in playoffs. ESPN.com. January 8, 2018.
86. Web site: Schwab. Frank. Wow! Marcus Mariota's first playoff touchdown pass goes to Marcus Mariota. Yahoo.com. January 6, 2018 . January 8, 2018.
87. News: Marcus Mariota throws first career postseason TD to himself after deflection . Cameron . Wolfe . ESPN.com . January 6, 2018 . January 15, 2018.
88. News: Williams. Charean. 17 Super Bowl records set Sunday. February 6, 2018. ProFootballTalk.com.
89. Web site: Memphis alum Jake Elliott kicks Eagles to Super Bowl title. commercialappeal.com. February 7, 2018.
90. Web site: NFL Stats: Player . NFL.com . December 13, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090111214603/http://www.nfl.com/stats/player . January 11, 2009 . live . mdy .
91. Web site: Awards for the 2017 NFL Season Announced at NFL Honors. nflcommunications.com. NFL. 5 February 2018.
92. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 1 . Nflcommunications.com . September 25, 2017.
93. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 2 . NFL Communications . September 25, 2017.
94. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 3 . NFL Communications . October 1, 2017.
95. Web site: AFC and NFC Players of the Month - September . NFL Communications . October 1, 2017.
96. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 4 . NFL Communications . October 5, 2017.
97. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 5 . NFL Communications . October 11, 2017.
98. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 6 . NFL Communications . October 18, 2017.
99. Web site: AFC and NFC Players of the Week – Week 7 . NFL Communications . October 25, 2017.
100. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 8 . NFL Communications . November 3, 2017.
101. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Month - October . NFL Communications . November 3, 2017.
102. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 9 . NFL Communications . November 10, 2017.
103. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 10 . NFL Communications . November 19, 2017.
104. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Week 11 . nflcommunications.com . en . November 22, 2017.
105. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Week 12 . nflcommunications.com . en . December 1, 2017.
106. Web site: Case Keenum wins NFC player of month honors. https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042642/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000885449/article/case-keenum-wins-nfc-player-of-month-honors. dead. December 1, 2017. NFL.com.
107. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Week 13 . nflcommunications.com . en . December 6, 2017.
108. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Week 14 . nflcommunications.com . en . December 13, 2017.
109. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Week 15 . nflcommunications.com . en . December 20, 2017.
110. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Week 16 . nflcommunications.com . en . December 27, 2017.
111. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Week – Week 17 . NFL Communications . January 4, 2018.
112. Web site: AFC & NFC Players of the Month - December. nflcommunications.com.
113. Web site: FedEx Players Air and Ground . NFL.com . September 27, 2017.
114. Web site: Pepsi Rookie of the WEEK . NFL.com . September 27, 2017.
115. Web site: Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week . NFL.com . September 27, 2017.
116. Web site: NFL Rookies of the Month – September . NFL Communications . September 29, 2017.
117. Web site: NFL Rookies of the Month – October . NFL Communications . November 3, 2017.
118. Web site: Reuben Foster named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for November . SB Nation . November 30, 2017 . December 5, 2017.
119. Web site: NFL Rookies of the Month – December . NFL Communications . January 4, 2018.
120. Web site: Bills fire Rex Ryan. December 27, 2016. NBCSports.com. January 12, 2017.
121. Web site: Buffalo Bills fire offensive coordinator Greg Roman. NFL.com. January 12, 2017.
122. Web site: Orr. Conor. Sean McDermott expected to become Bills' head coach. NFL.com. NFL. January 11, 2017.
123. Web site: Broncos coach Gary Kubiak retires from coaching. NFL.com. January 12, 2017.
124. Web site: Sessler. Marc. Vance Joseph expected to be hired as Broncos coach. NFL.com. NFL. January 11, 2017.
125. Web site: Gus Bradley fired by Jacksonville Jaguars. NFL.com. Rosenthal. Gregg. December 18, 2016.
126. Web site: Jaguars name Marrone interim head coach . Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com . December 19, 2016 . May 22, 2017.
127. Web site: Schefter. Ada. Jaguars intend to hire Doug Marrone as head coach. ESPN. January 9, 2017. January 9, 2017.
128. Web site: AFC West-worst Chargers fire McCoy as coach. ESPN.com. January 2, 2017. January 12, 2017.
129. News: Chargers hire Anthony Lynn as their new head coach. NFL.com. January 13, 2017.
130. Web site: Mortensen. Chris. Jeff Fisher fired as coach of Los Angeles Rams. ESPN.com. December 12, 2016. ESPN. December 12, 2016.
131. Web site: Los Angeles Rams hire Sean McVay as head coach . NFL.com. January 12, 2017 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210303062640/https://www.nfl.com/news/los-angeles-rams-hire-sean-mcvay-as-head-coach-0ap3000000773406 . March 3, 2021.
132. News: Niners fire coach Chip Kelly after one season. NFL.com. January 1, 2017.
133. News: 49ers Relieve General Manager Trent Baalke, Head Coach Chip Kelly of Duties. 49ers.com. January 1, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170102114156/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/49ers-Relieve-General-Manager-Trent-Baalke-Head-Coach-Chip-Kelly-of-Duties/d8140076-57e1-42ec-b58e-a3c8f71bc063. January 2, 2017. dead. mdy-all.
134. News: Shook. Nick. Kyle Shanahan named head coach of 49ers. NFL.com. February 6, 2017. .
135. Web site: Raanan. Jordan. Giants fire coach Ben McAdoo, GM Jerry Reese in midst of lost season. ESPN. December 4, 2017. December 4, 2017.
136. News: Niners GM Trent Baalke says he's been fired; is Chip Kelly next?. NFL.com. January 1, 2017.
137. News: John Lynch Named General Manager of the San Francisco 49ers. 49ers.com. January 30, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003825/http://www.49ers.com/news/article-2/John-Lynch-Named-General-Manager-of-the-San-Francisco-49ers/11317b83-d30b-4bec-a4d1-1e419ffa2b75?sf53520522=1. March 15, 2018. dead.
138. News: Orr. Conor. San Francisco 49ers name John Lynch general manager. NFL.com. January 30, 2017.
139. News: Colts firing general manager Ryan Grigson. NFL.com. January 21, 2017.
140. News: Redskins fire general manager Scot McCloughan. NFL.com. March 9, 2017.
141. Web site: Redskins promote ex-QB Williams to senior VP. June 13, 2017.
142. News: Bills dismiss GM Doug Whaley, expected to release scouting staff . . April 30, 2017 . May 22, 2017.
143. News: Bills hire Brandon Beane as new general manager. USA TODAY. May 9, 2017. en.
144. Web site: Chiefs fire G.M. John Dorsey. Michael David. Smith. June 22, 2017.
145. Web site: Chiefs promote Brett Veach to general manager. .
146. News: Sessler. Marc. Panthers fire general manager Dave Gettlemanmanager. NFL.com. July 17, 2017. July 18, 2017.
147. Web site: Hurney back with Panthers for second GM stint. July 19, 2017.
148. Web site: Marty Hurney named Panthers general manager . Patra . Kevin . . February 21, 2018 . July 6, 2021 . live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180221170648/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916954/article/marty-hurney-named-panthers-general-manager . February 21, 2018 .
149. Web site: Sessler. Marc. New York Giants fire general manager Jerry Reese. NFL.com. NFL. December 5, 2017.
150. Web site: Schefter. Adam. Browns fire head of personnel Sashi Brown; coach Hue Jackson to stay. ESPN. December 7, 2017. December 7, 2017.
151. Web site: Mortensen. Chris. Browns hire former Chiefs, Packers exec John Dorsey as new general manager. ESPN. December 8, 2017. December 8, 2017.
152. News: Oakland Raiders file Las Vegas relocation paperwork. NFL.com. January 19, 2017.
153. Web site: Los Angeles is still struggling to attract football fans as the Rams played their season-opener in a half-empty stadium. Business Insider. Lauletta. Tyler. September 11, 2017.
154. Web site: NFL still confident in Los Angeles market despite attendance for Rams, Chargers games. USA Today. Jones. Lindsay H.. September 18, 2017.
155. Web site: No discussions of Chargers moving back to San Diego. Ian. Rapoport. NFL.com. October 8, 2017. October 8, 2017.
156. News: Chargers season on shaky ground after loss to Eagles. Woike. Don. October 1, 2017. Los Angeles Times. March 16, 2018.
157. Web site: Rams-49ers Attendance Was Over 70,000, That Should Quiet That Silly Empty NFL Stadium Narrative. September 22, 2017. The Big Lead.
158. Web site: The NFL Is Seriously Concerned With Empty Stadiums. September 13, 2017. The Big Lead.
159. Web site: Many open seats as Cowboys-Redskins kickoff. Stefan. Stevenson. Fort Worth Star-Telegram. November 30, 2017. December 1, 2017.
160. Web site: Tickets were as plentiful as the snow on Sunday. James. Fink. Business First. December 11, 2017. December 11, 2017.
161. Pergament, Alan. Bills game rating is second-highest here since 2000. The Buffalo News. Retrieved December 11, 2017. "Nielsen said the game ended at 4:22 p.m. That eliminated the 51.2 rating from 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. from the equation because Nielsen counts only 15-minute time periods if they are 7 minutes and 30 seconds or longer. If the 4:15 p.m. period had been included, the Bills game would have averaged a 47.0 rating, a tenth of a point ahead of the Cleveland-Bills game."
162. Web site: Lukas. Paul. NFL Jerseys with New Tailoring Template Begin to Surface. uniwatch.com. Uniwatch. July 6, 2017. May 22, 2017.
163. Web site: Bell. Demetrius. New Orleans Saints finally fix their collars. SportsLogos.net. August 3, 2017. April 5, 2017.
164. Web site: Walkthru: Tracking the Bengals 2017 uniform changes . Cincinnati.com . en . August 27, 2017.
165. Web site: Bell. Demetrius. LA Rams finalize evolved home uniform for 2017. SportsLogos.net. August 3, 2017. March 3, 2017.
166. Web site: Reisman. Jeremy. PHOTOS: Lions release new uniforms. prideofdetroit.com. Pride of Detroit. June 8, 2017. April 13, 2017.
167. Web site: Lynch. Andrew. See the full uniform changes the Los Angeles Rams are making for 2017. Fox Sports. June 8, 2017. March 3, 2017.
168. Web site: Vicar. Nathan. Bengals unveil special logo for 50th anniversary. fox19.com. Fox 19 Now. June 8, 2017. April 20, 2017.
169. Web site: Biderman. Chris. Looks like subtle changes to 49ers uniforms are coming. usatoday.com. usatoday. July 7, 2017. May 22, 2017.
170. Web site: Seahawks Honor Cortez Kennedy With '96' Helmet Decal. Seattle Seahawks. December 25, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171227065706/http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/06/02/seahawks-honor-cortez-kennedy-%E2%80%9896%E2%80%99-helmet-decal. December 27, 2017. dead.
171. Web site: Steelers to wear jersey patch honoring Dan Rooney. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 25, 2017.
172. Web site: Cowboys will wear navy jerseys at home more often. .
173. Web site: Benton. Dan. Giants will honor Y.A. Tittle with No. 14 helmet decal. Giants Wire. October 17, 2017 . December 18, 2017.
174. Web site: Associated Press. Joan Tisch, mother of Giants EVP Steve Tisch, dies at age 90. https://web.archive.org/web/20171107103235/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000871106/article/joan-tisch-mother-of-giants-evp-steve-tisch-dies-at-age-90. dead. November 7, 2017. NFL.com. December 18, 2017.
175. Web site: Bills announce team's Family Day sponsored by Independent Health & Fan Appreciation Day. BuffaloBills.com. December 4, 2017. December 8, 2017. In addition, when the Bills face the Colts, the team will be wearing all red, color rush uniforms. Fans are encouraged to wear red in support of the team.. https://web.archive.org/web/20171208003610/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-announce-teams-Family-Day-sponsored-by-Independent-Health--Fan-Appreciation-Day-/52a03b63-4ea5-479c-a77a-1ce82c44d49f. December 8, 2017. dead.
176. Web site: National Football League. NFL reveals nominees for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. NFL.com. December 18, 2017.
177. Web site: Breech. John. Color Rush: Here's what Saints and Falcons will be wearing on 'Thursday Night Football'. CBS Sports. December 7, 2017. December 9, 2018 .
178. Web site: Spanish-language 'MNF' coming to ESPN2. Sports Business Daily. September 4, 2017 . en-US. September 4, 2017.
179. Web site: NFL's Pro Bowl Back on ABC. Broadcasting & Cable. May 24, 2017 . May 24, 2017.
180. News: Tasker is only constant in Bills preseason coverage. Alan. Pergament. The Buffalo News. August 9, 2017. August 9, 2017. All games are televised live, which can't help ticket sales for what amounts to practice games..
181. Web site: NBC's 'SkyCam' will provide Madden-like view of tonight's Titans-Steelers game. oregonlive.com. November 16, 2017. November 17, 2017. Geoffrey C. Arnold.
182. Web site: Amazon will stream 'Thursday Night Football' in 2017. Here's what you need to know. SBNation. April 4, 2017 . April 5, 2017.
183. News: Amazon's NFL Deal Includes $30 Million in Free Marketing. Bloomberg.com. April 17, 2017 . April 20, 2017.
184. News: The Ravens-Jaguars London game just got much more interesting. Here's how to stream it for free. Recode. September 24, 2017.
185. Web site: Verizon Scores Streaming Rights To NFL London Game. Deadline. May 3, 2017 . May 5, 2017.
186. News: NFL Sets Kickoff of Twitter Live Show for 2017-18 Season. Spangler. Todd. August 29, 2017. Variety. August 30, 2017. en-US.
187. Web site: Twitter signed a new live video deal with the NFL that doesn't include games. The Verge. May 11, 2017 . May 12, 2017.
188. News: A new deal will let Facebook users watch NFL highlights immediately after the game. Recode. September 27, 2017.
189. Web site: Verizon's exclusivity for live games on mobile expected to end. Sports Business Daily. October 23, 2017 . en-US. October 23, 2017.
190. News: Verizon, NFL agree to new 5-year deal worth nearly $2.5 billion. Darren. Rovell. ESPN.com. December 11, 2017. December 11, 2017.
191. News: NBC Will Stream 'Sunday Night Football' To Mobile Phones Starting In 2018. Hayes. Dade. December 18, 2017. Deadline. December 18, 2017. en-US.
192. News: NFL Game Pass developer admits to fake reviews by employees. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/us-sport/national-football-league/nfl-game-pass-developer-deltatre-fake-reviews-employees-users-errors-a7986676.html . May 1, 2022 . subscription . live. October 6, 2017. The Independent. October 10, 2017. en-GB.
193. News: DAZN working on making all NFL games available via cable, satellite providers. October 7, 2017. National Post. October 10, 2017. en-US.
194. Web site: NFL and Dial Global Agree on New Multi-Year Extension. Dial Global Sports. November 15, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130425085514/http://dialglobalsports.com/2012/09/nfl-and-dial-global-agree-on-new-multi-year-extension/. April 25, 2013.
195. News: Entravision inks three-year radio deal with the NFL. L.A. Biz. American City Business Journals. September 11, 2015. January 25, 2017.
196. Web site: ESPN at Super Bowl LII - ESPN MediaZone U.S.. espnmediazone.com. January 23, 2018 .
197. News: Exclusive: Roger Goodell says changes coming to quicken NFL games in 2017. USA Today. Tom. Pelissero. March 24, 2017. March 24, 2017.
198. Web site: NFL to Allow Liquor Advertising During Games Next Season. Bleacher Report. June 3, 2017.
199. News: NFL Adds Liquor to Menu of Advertisers. WSJ. June 3, 2017.
200. Web site: Phil Simms on being replaced at CBS by Tony Romo: My pride was hurt. Philly.com. April 20, 2017 . May 5, 2017.
201. Web site: Tony Romo will finally rescue us from Phil Simms and become top analyst at CBS. SB Nation. April 4, 2017 . Vox Media. May 5, 2017.
202. Web site: Jay Cutler to join FOX Sports as a broadcaster . NFL.com . May 5, 2017 . May 22, 2017.
203. Web site: Sources: Fins, Cutler reach 1-year, $10M deal . ESPN.com . August 6, 2017 . November 1, 2017.
204. Web site: Fang . Ken . James Lofton joins CBS as an NFL game analyst, while Tony Gonzalez jumps to Fox . Awful Announcing . May 10, 2017 . May 22, 2017.
205. Web site: Tirico To Call "Thursday Night Football" For NBC This Season. Sports Business Journal. May 31, 2017 . June 1, 2017.
206. Web site: Syracuse University alum Mike Tirico to call NFL games on NBC. Syracuse.com. November 16, 2016 . February 13, 2017.
207. Web site: Mike Tirico to replace Al Michaels on four NFL broadcasts on NBC. USA Today. November 16, 2016.
208. Web site: Bob Costas steps down as NBC host of Olympics; Mike Tirico to replace him. USA Today. February 9, 2017.
209. Web site: Brennan: Bob Costas has been the face of the Olympics for Americans. USA Today. February 9, 2017.
210. News: Why NBC's Mike Tirico will be skipping the Super Bowl in Minneapolis. Minneapolis Star Tribune. August 30, 2017.
211. Web site: Mowins to be first woman on MNF play-by-play. May 16, 2017 .
212. Web site: Williams. Charean. CBS announces Beth Mowins to call Browns-Colts game. ProFootballTalk. August 15, 2017. August 15, 2017.
213. Web site: The NFL Ratings Page. SportsMediaWatch.com. September 11, 2017.

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