When the NFL exhibition season started, I was happy to finally watch some live outdoor football. Then after most of the starters were lifted after a couple of series — and replaced by guys who’ll be out of the league by September — I quickly lost interest.

I understand the concept. Teams want to work out the kinks before wins and losses actually matter. But does it take four fake games for coaches to determine who they want on the field in the real ones?

I grew up in an era when the NFL season was 14 games. Incredibly, most of the teams played six exhibitions before the regular campaign kicked off. That means players (and fans) were subject to practically half a season of contests that were glorified practices.

In 1977 the NFL opted for a 16-game regular season with four exhibitions. This was better, but that still meant a full month of dress rehearsals.

Commissioner Roger Goodell says he and other NFL movers and shakers are toying with the idea of going with an 18-game slate with two exhibitions in the future. The subject was first broached in May when Goodell said he was thinking about cutting the preseason down to three games, then he threw out the 2-18 model.

I vote for the latter.

NFL teams have mini camps in the spring and training camps in the summer, and I think even players would agree that those — combined with two non-counters — are more than enough to prep for the season.

If the 2-18 plan was in effect this year, that means the Panthers, Falcons and all the play-for-pay teams would already have one “real” game under their belts and be gearing up for Week 2.

Goodell says the reason he is leaning toward an 18-game season stems from complaints about the quality of play in preseason contests. Occasionally there are decent matchups, but more often than not they get really sloppy really quickly, and fans are often driving home before the third quarter is halfway done.

And certainly there are financial considerations. NFL tickets aren’t cheap, and I know I’m not going to plunk down 50 dollars to watch Irving Schwartzman play quarterback for the Colts — unless, of course, Schwartzman beats Peyton Manning out of his job fair and square.

Add two more regular season games, and you increase the chances of a packed house and captive audience.

Goodell is a sharp guy and has been a hands-on commish thus far. Like any company CEO worth his salt he’s always looking at ways to make his product more attractive.

The National Football League presents the sport at its highest level. And if Goodell can squeeze two more counters onto the sked — and squeeze out two exhibitions — that’ll give all of us two more chances to see the best play for keeps.