The NFL’s schedule is largely written in stone, but the ability to flex certain games into more prominent time slots is one of its more intuitive features. Per a report from The Atheltic’s Katherine Terrell, the NFL’s Week 16 kickoff between the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans is under consideration for a move into the limelight. But a decision won’t be made just yet.
Per NFL rules, the corporations under contract to broadcast games are allowed a 12-day window with which to decide whether a game will get flexed into a different time slot — except in Week 17, when that decision is made in just 6 days. However, in this case all parties involved (the NFL and the relevant broadcast partners) agreed to reach a decision in 6 days rather than the full 12-day allotment. That’s obviously not great for fans who have to adjust their travel plans on such short notice, but that’s showbiz.
So why are they taking this approach? It probably hinges on whether the Titans can maintain their spot in the crowded AFC playoff race with a win over the AFC South-rival Houston Texans this week. If Tennessee keeps up their four-game winning streak and knocks off the Texans, they would be in position to win their division with another victory over the Saints the following week.
With a loss, the Titans would be on the outside looking in, and be ranked beneath the Pittsburgh Steelers for a Wild Card spot. Tennessee would essentially be playing for their season when the Saints visit a week later, which would make for terrific drama from the broadcaster’s perspective. But at this stage, it’s tough to say which direction things go. Which is probably how the NFL wants it — increased curiosity means more fans tuning into Sunday’s Titans-Texans game.
Many fans were surprised when the NFL chose not to flex last Sunday’s game between the Saints and San Francisco 49ers, but The Athletic’s Jeff Duncan reports that it wasn’t an option. FOX controlled that kickoff’s broadcast rights, and protected the game from being flexed out of the noon time slot they had chosen.
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