The NFL’s ambition to dominate the sports industry all year round by intensifying its presence through continuous action and influence is causing it to overlook a valuable opportunity to expand its reach in television, streaming, and social media platforms. By strategically positioning itself on the calendar, the NFL can strengthen its competitive edge, generate more excitement, and significantly increase its revenue streams beyond its already prosperous business model.

How about an NFL Draft Lottery?

While it may not be feasible to implement such a strategy this year, it is a concept worth considering. The notion of teams deliberately underperforming towards the end of the season is often exaggerated, as players and coaches are inherently driven to strive for victory. However, there are underlying organizational tactics at play within the league that contribute to this phenomenon, which remains a relatively unspoken reality within the NFL.

For instance, the New York Giants found themselves in pole position for the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after a defeat to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16, owing to their 2-13 record and strength of schedule. This advantageous position gave them the certainty of selecting a top-tier quarterback such as Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. However, a surprising turn of events in Week 17, with Drew Lock delivering an exceptional performance akin to Drew Brees in a convincing 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, abruptly shifted the Giants from their coveted top spot in the draft selection process.