During the National Football League (NFL) regular season, each team is allotted one week where it does not play a scheduled game. This break in the weekly competition is a designated period of rest and recuperation for players and coaching staff. For example, if a team plays in Week 6 and then does not play again until Week 8, Week 7 is their non-playing period.
This scheduled pause offers numerous advantages. It provides an opportunity for injured players to heal and recover without missing game time. It allows coaching staffs to analyze game film, refine strategies, and address team weaknesses. Historically, the inclusion of this break has evolved to improve player safety and enhance the overall competitive balance of the league.