NFL Flex Scheduling: A Look Ahead to Week 13
Through the first 11 weeks of the NFL season, there has been a notable silence on the flex scheduling front—no games have been flexed to date. As we enter Week 12, this trend is set to continue, since the deadline for making such adjustments has already passed. The earliest opportunity for a flex will occur in Week 13, and it presents the NFL with potential game-changing decisions.
Understanding Flex Scheduling Rules
Before diving into potential flexes for Week 13, let’s revisit the rules that govern this aspect of the NFL schedule:
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Sunday Night Flexing: The NFL can flex up to two games during Weeks 5-10. From Weeks 11-17, it has the freedom to flex as many games as deemed fit, but any changes need to be announced at least 12 days prior to the game.
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Monday Night Flexing: Flex scheduling is allowed any time from Weeks 12-17 under the same 12-day notice requirement.
- Thursday Night Flexing: The NFL also reserves the right to flex out up to two games between Weeks 13-17.
While flex scheduling can adjust games in various time slots, it won’t be applicable for Thanksgiving, which has a predetermined lineup that includes three games, plus the new Black Friday game.
Week 13 Flex Options
In Week 13, there are two notable candidates for potential flexing out of prime time, primarily the one featuring the Denver Broncos vs. Washington Commanders. Given that many fans are preoccupied with holiday travel, it seems unlikely that the Patriots game will be moved; this primes the limelight on the Broncos-Commanders matchup, which currently seems lackluster.
The Commanders’ performance is under scrutiny, especially after they face the Miami Dolphins in Spain this Sunday. Should they lose, it would drop their record to 3-8, making their game against the Broncos even less appealing, particularly with quarterback Jayden Daniels recovering from an elbow injury. Combine that with their last four losses, all by a margin of 20 points or more, and the fear that their match could make for poor television becomes palpable.
Analyzing Alternatives
Should the NFL decide to flex a game out of the Sunday night slot, they must also identify a suitable matchup to promote. One intriguing option is a Sam Darnold revenge game, pitting the Minnesota Vikings against the Seattle Seahawks. Following a successful season last year, Darnold’s departure from Minnesota offers an exciting narrative as the team struggles in his absence. Moreover, the Seahawks have been performing well and could benefit from additional exposure on a national platform.
For the flex to make sense, Minnesota needs to secure a win over the Chicago Bears this Sunday, transitioning them to either a 6-5 or 5-6 record leading into Week 13. This storyline can help justify placing the game in prime time.
An Alternative Contender: Texans at Colts
Another strategic addition could feature the Houston Texans facing off against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have demonstrated strong performance yet have lacked prime-time exposure, having only one scheduled game later in the season. If the Texans defeat the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, their record would improve to 5-5, making a case for a flex into Week 13.
While not the most glamorous matchup, the Colts could draw viewers intrigued by their consistent play and dynamic offense. However, there’s the risk of rapidly overwhelming the Texans’ schedule with prime-time appearances if they continue their strong performance.
Additional Matchup Considerations
In Week 13, the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers will also clash in a prominently scheduled 4:25 p.m. ET slot. Even if this matchup has appeal, the uncertainty of its flexibility looms given the ambitious nature of a national prime-time audience. It could be an uphill battle to reorient that game into the Sunday night milieu.
As Week 13 approaches, the NFL finds itself at a crossroads, considering whether to capitalize on ongoing narratives and matchups that could enhance viewer engagement. The decision-making process involves assessing team performances and potential fan interests, with the clock ticking down to the Tuesday deadline for making these pivotal scheduling changes.
