ESPN Clayton
I am sure most of read this in Clayton's Mailbag but his thoughts were pretty telling to this topic...
Eighteen games might scare players initially because of injuries, but in reality, the veterans will be exposed to injury for only about a quarter or two longer than the current system. In the current four-game preseason, veterans play about six or seven quarters. The extra two regular-season games would add only eight quarters to the regular season, and the league is still maintaining the 20-game format of total games played.
Although there is a downside to an 18-game schedule, I'm for it as long as it allows both sides to reach a labor deal that prevents a lockout. The extra revenue that would go to owners would allow the owners to talk players into a lower percentage player-cost formula without having players take a pay cut.
More regular-season games means larger base salaries for players, and players ultimately can't complain about getting more money.
I tend to agree this will help stop a lockout