RE: Do you honestly think Goody cares.
The 32 make their profits by TV contracts, selling tickets and selling merch, plus parking and other game related money makers. The more people who watch, go to games and buy merchandise, the more they make.
If every early September the 32 fan bases honestly think their team could go all the way, it will have a positive increase in all of the things mentioned above. The opposite holds true. If a team's fan base thinks their team will go 3-13, some will watch and go, but far fewer. This equates to far less money in these markets. When the Pats dominate for 15 years, it takes money out of some of the owners pockets. Those owners in particular are now pissed.
The 32 owners hold Goody's leash. If 7, 8 or more of them are pissed, Goodell's life gets less comfortable. So yes, Goodell cares. Plus he's a NJjets guy. Say no more.
This is also why The Kraft's aren't that pissed, and sided with the other 31. Their short term is all set (practically printing cash in Foxboro for years) but the long term requires the league to stay healthy financially. Like most (fortunately not all) others things, it's all about the money.
Nefarious
Financial
League