The National Football League could expand its regular season to 17 or 18 games and eliminate some preseason contests. The idea to expand the regular season in 2010 was kicked around this week by NFL owners at their annual meeting in Dana Point, Calif., but the poor state of the economy likely means the move will be made at later date. A key point is the fans also recognize players they want to see are not in those preseason games, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told the Los Angeles Times.

The NFL's Second Season starts this weekend with two wild cards games in both the AFC and NFC on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend commences Saturday afternoon with the NFC match-up between the Cardinals and Atlanta at Glendale, Ariz. Arizona won the NFC West with a 9-7 record, but lost two of its last three regular season contests. The Falcons were one of the league's surprises, finishing 11-5 under the leadership of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. They finished second to Carolina in the NFC South. Saturday's AFC battle, to be played Saturday night, is Indianapolis at San Diego. The Colts (12-4) ended the regular season with a nine-game winning streak, while the Chargers (8-8) needed a 52-21 win over Denver just to qualify for the post-season. They will try to become the first 8-8 team to win a playoff game since 2004, when both the St.

The New England Patriots can begin thinking about a fourth Super Bowl in six years after clinching the AFC East on Sunday. Seattle also got into the playoffs, securing the NFC West. The big difference: New England won and the Seahawks were stunned in the final minute by San Diego.

Two NFL regular-season games will be played each year outside the United States in Mexico, Canada and Europe, starting in 2007. The plan, first announced last month, was approved Tuesday at the recommendation of new commissioner Roger Goodell.