NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Plans To Release 2020 Schedule By May 9

The NFL has had to make some changes to its offseason plans and schedules due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but commissioner Roger Goodell hopes to get one major order of business done by May 9.

Goodell was interviewed on The Rich Eisen Show, where he stated that the league is planning to reveal the 2020 regular season schedule by May 9.

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ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Thursday that the NFL was planning to release the schedule, although there will be "adjustments" if they are "necessary."

The league usually released the schedule near the end of April, but the different circumstances this year obviously forced them to push some things back. Next week's draft will be a "virtual" format, with Goodell announcing the picks from his home.

Even if the regular season starts on time, there's a good chance that the league will be forced to shorten the schedule and/or play games without fans in attendance. The current NBA, MLS and NHL seasons are currently suspended.

The 2020 MLB season hasn't started yet, although the league is exploring a plan to have all games played at facilities in the Phoenix Area. MLB is also exploring divisional realignment for only this season.

Barring any changes, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Week 1 Thursday night Kickoff Game. The Super Bowl champions traditionally host the opening game, but as part of the NFL's 100th season celebration, the Chicago Bears got to host the historic rival Green Bay Bears in 2019.

The 2020 NFL season will also see an expansion of 14 playoff teams. Only the top seed in each conference will get a first-round bye, while the other three division winners will host the trio of wild card teams in the opening round.

The league's schedule rotation will see the AFC West play the NFC South, the AFC South vs. the NFC North, the AFC East vs. the NFC West and the AFC North vs. the NFC East.

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