The NFL made sure you know how important the Packers-Vikings game is for the season
You might be tired of primetime games because the Green Bay Packers played four in a row. Well, the game against the Minnesota Vikings won't be a night matchup because it couldn't, but that didn't stop the NFL from flexing it, and that shows you exactly how important it will be. The league moved the […]
You might be tired of primetime games because the Green Bay Packers played four in a row. Well, the game against the Minnesota Vikings won't be a night matchup because it couldn't, but that didn't stop the NFL from flexing it, and that shows you exactly how important it will be.
The league moved the game, previously scheduled to noon (CT), to 3:25pm (CT), the second afternoon window.
Since the first Packers-Vikings game of the season, in Week 4, had been a CBS game, the NFL couldn't take the second one out Fox's hands — it's just a rule to keep the broadcasting companies with their usual teams (Fox with NFC teams, and CBS with AFC teams).
Therefore, the NFL could flex the game for a primetime window, since Sunday Night Football, for example, is an NBC show. Since the Packers play on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, they couldn't play on Thursday or Saturday in Week 17 — and an already unlikely second consecutive MNF appearance was out of the question because of the timing of flexing schedule procedures.
The only move possible was from noon to 3:25pm, and that's exactly what happened, giving the big NFC North matchup more exposure.
The only other game of the second Sunday afternoon window is Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns, since Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles was flexed to the early window.
All game times in Week 18 are still to be determined. However, based on the Packers playoff outlook and that the Chicago Bears are already eliminated from contention, it will probably be a Sunday early afternoon game at Lambeau Field.
Packers vs Saints Week 16 broadcast map: Will you be able to watch on TV?
Green Bay clinch a playoff spot with a win on Monday night
