The NFL in 2008 (1 Viewer)

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Yes, I know that SNF can change a little but this is mostly just...meh. Sure wish we could see GB, CHI, and PHI play a few more games. Doubling down on CLE worked out great, as well. To submit MNF loyalists to JAX/HOU is a sin as is CLE/PHI.

MNF:

Cle/Buf...neither likely to make playoffs

GB/NO...ok

Jax/Hou...nasty. Two cellar dwellers

TB/CAR...I know it matters, but...

CLE/PHI...neither will make the playoffs and we are watching this crap on MNF in December.

GB/CHI...should be a great game after what we saw yesterday

ThursdayNF:

CIN/Pitt

ARI/PHI

OAK/SD -- neither making playoffs

NO/CHI

IND/JAX -- playing for distant 2nd place in division

BAL/DAL -- pretty good

SNF:

Colts/Chargers

Bears/Vikings

NE/SEA

NYG/Dallas

SD/TB -- edge of my seat, baby

TBA

What did we do to deserve this?

 

[belljr]

Yes, I know that SNF can change a little but this is mostly just...meh. Sure wish we could see GB, CHI, and PHI play a few more games. Doubling down on CLE worked out great, as well. To submit MNF loyalists to JAX/HOU is a sin as is CLE/PHI.

MNF:

Cle/Buf...neither likely to make playoffs

GB/NO...ok

Jax/Hou...nasty. Two cellar dwellers

TB/CAR...I know it matters, but...

CLE/PHI...neither will make the playoffs and we are watching this crap on MNF in December.

GB/CHI...should be a great game after what we saw yesterday

ThursdayNF:

CIN/Pitt

ARI/PHI

OAK/SD -- neither making playoffs

NO/CHI

IND/JAX -- playing for distant 2nd place in division

BAL/DAL -- pretty good

SNF:

Colts/Chargers

Bears/Vikings

NE/SEA

NYG/Dallas

SD/TB -- edge of my seat, baby

TBA

What did we do to deserve this?

I see those 2 changing - SD/TB could be decent pending what happens the next few weeks. Week 14 - Dallas vs Pitt - probably locked by network

Philly-Giants - already a SNF game earlier

Atl/NO or Mia/Buff are probably the likely moves.

 

[MCguidance]

Why don't they just flex any game they want? Is it too much of a logistical nightmare if they did that? I don't know enough to avoid asking naive questions, so I apologize in advance.

 

[jbz]

i'm still stunned Cleveland got on 3 MNF games this year. 3!

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

12/21, Sunday night we could have Pitt at Tennessee if it weren't blocked by CBS. You could have had NYJ at Tennessee this coming Sunday night but for the same reason.

 

[The Jerk]

Why don't they just flex any game they want? Is it too much of a logistical nightmare if they did that? I don't know enough to avoid asking naive questions, so I apologize in advance.

So that NBC just doesn't get the best game every week (because CBS and FOX are also paying a lot of money), CBS and FOX get to protect (block the move to SNF) some of the games.Someone will come along and post a link to a more exhaustive description soon (I hope).

 

[PosterNutBag]

12/21, Sunday night we could have Pitt at Tennessee if it weren't blocked by CBS. You could have had NYJ at Tennessee this coming Sunday night but for the same reason.

I forget the rules for a network (CBS/FOX) being able to keep their games. Does this only apply to games currently schedule in the 4:15 time slot (this does not include 4:05 games)...meaning that network has the DH that week?

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

12/21, Sunday night we could have Pitt at Tennessee if it weren't blocked by CBS. You could have had NYJ at Tennessee this coming Sunday night but for the same reason.

I forget the rules for a network (CBS/FOX) being able to keep their games. Does this only apply to games currently schedule in the 4:15 time slot (this does not include 4:05 games)...meaning that network has the DH that week?

Flex moved this last week's Titans/Jaguars game from Noon to 3:15.

 

[Manster]

i'm still stunned Cleveland got on 3 MNF games this year. 3!

yea. i guess they were sposed to be better. MNF is not the marquee matchup of the week like it used to be. seems like the Sunday night game is usually better.

 

[PosterNutBag]

Here is a link and the info. It appears there is no set formula, but the common sense is that CBS/FOX will veto the NFL trying to move an otherwise good game off its network to SNF.

Flexible Scheduling

Allows teams to play their way onto the Sunday night schedule

Last season, the NFL implemented for the first time in its history a primetime "flexible scheduling" element on Sundays in Weeks 10-15 and in Week 17.

Flexible scheduling ensured quality matchups on Sunday night in those weeks and gave surprise teams a chance to play their way onto primetime.

The 2007 NFL schedule will again utilize flexible scheduling in Weeks 11-17. The NBC Sunday night time slot for "flex" weeks will list the game tentatively scheduled for Sunday night.

Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game will be moved to an afternoon start time. Flexible scheduling will not be applied to games airing on Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights.

Just as the six major college football conferences have done for many years, the NFL will have the flexibility to move the start times of games on Sundays, using a 12-day notice format.

For example, a game scheduled for a Sunday could move from a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff to an 8:15 p.m. start, but the change would be made and announced no later than the prior Tuesday, 12 days prior.

The NFL has commonly moved games between 1:00 p.m. ET and 4:15 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoons, and the NFL now employs flexible scheduling to include one of its primetime packages of games - on Sunday evenings.

Sunday afternoon games, as in the past, can still be moved between 1:00 and 4:05 or 4:15 p.m. ET.

In Week 17, in order to ensure a Sunday night game with playoff implications, the decision to move the start time may be made on six days notice.

NFL Flexible Scheduling 101

Begins Sunday of Week 11

In effect during Weeks 11-17

Only Sunday afternoon games are subject to being moved into the Sunday night window.

The game that has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday night during flex weeks will be listed at 8:15 p.m. ET.

The majority of games on Sundays will be listed at 1:00 p.m. ET during flex weeks except for games played in Pacific or Mountain Time zones which will be listed at 4:05 or 4:15 p.m. ET.

No impact on Thursday, Saturday or Monday night games.

The NFL will decide (after consultation with CBS, FOX, NBC) and announce as early as possible the game being played at 8:15 p.m. ET. The announcement will come no later than 12 days prior to the game. The NFL may also announce games moving to 4:05 p.m. ET and 4:15 p.m. ET.

Week 17 start time changes could be decided on 6 days notice to ensure a game with playoff implications.

The NBC Sunday night time slot in "flex" weeks will list the game that has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday night.

Fans and ticket holders must be aware that NFL games in flex weeks are subject to change 12 days in advance (6 days in Week 17) and should plan accordingly.

NFL schedules all games.

Teams will be informed as soon as they are no longer under consideration or eligible for a move to Sunday night.

 

[duece2626]

BEARS AT VIKINGS STAYS ON SUNDAY NIGHT

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 17, 2008, 5:36 p.m.

The NFL has decided not to use the flex scheduling option for Week 13, meaning Bears at Vikings will remain the Sunday night NBC game on November 30.

The only change in kickoff time for Week 13 is for the Broncos-Jets game, which moves from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on CBS.

The other big games on Sunday, November 30, include Panthers at Packers, Giants at Redskins and Steelers at Patriots. But the league has decided to keep those games in the afternoon and Bears-Vikings in prime time.

The league uses flexible scheduling on Sundays from Week 11 to Week 17 in an effort to ensure that the best games get the best time slots.

 

[The Jerk]

The only info I haven't yet seen is that there are two limits at work in flexible scheduling:

1. CBS and FOX can only veto a certain number of games over the six weeks.

2. Unless it's changed recently, any NFL team cannot appear more than six times in prime time.

Sorry, no links, and while this was true when flex scheduling began, it may not be exactly true now.

 

[MCguidance]

Why don't they just flex any game they want? Is it too much of a logistical nightmare if they did that? I don't know enough to avoid asking naive questions, so I apologize in advance.

So that NBC just doesn't get the best game every week (because CBS and FOX are also paying a lot of money), CBS and FOX get to protect (block the move to SNF) some of the games.Someone will come along and post a link to a more exhaustive description soon (I hope).

Thanks for this. Makes a lot of sense.

 

[Capella]

TB/CAR...I know it matters, but...

But what? One team is 8-2, the other is 7-3, the game will likely decide the winner of one of the best two divisions in football and to add to it, the two teams hate each other.Do you just want them to show the Titans from here on out? I know you're a fan, and they're a great team, but I got news for you...the country is not waiting with baited breath to watch Kerry Collins throw to Justin Gage either. Just an fyi.

 

[Capella]

And other than that NE/Sea game which will obviously get moved, that SNF schedule looks really good to me. Stop whining.

 

[tombonneau]

And other than that NE/Sea game which will obviously get moved, that SNF schedule looks really good to me. Stop whining.

I don't know about that. Even without Brady, I think NE is still probably the second biggest TV draw besides Dallas, regardless of who they are playing.

 

[belljr]

12/21, Sunday night we could have Pitt at Tennessee if it weren't blocked by CBS. You could have had NYJ at Tennessee this coming Sunday night but for the same reason.

I forget the rules for a network (CBS/FOX) being able to keep their games. Does this only apply to games currently schedule in the 4:15 time slot (this does not include 4:05 games)...meaning that network has the DH that week?

Flex moved this last week's Titans/Jaguars game from Noon to 3:15.

The NFL will utilize "flexible scheduling" on Sundays in Weeks 11-17. Flexible scheduling will ensure quality matchups in all NFL Sunday time slots in those weeks and give teams a chance to play their way onto primetime and into the late-afternoon 4:15 PM ET time slot on CBS and FOX.This was so CBS late game was not just the SD/Pitt game.

 

[Capella]

And other than that NE/Sea game which will obviously get moved, that SNF schedule looks really good to me. Stop whining.

I don't know about that. Even without Brady, I think NE is still probably the second biggest TV draw besides Dallas, regardless of who they are playing.

That game is getting moved. NE is an average team right now and without Brady, they have only Moss as name appeal. Add to that they're playing maybe the most uninteresting team in football who is miles out of the race in a horrid division and there is roughly a 0% chance of NBC showing that game in a critical week. Here are the choices that it will get moved forhilly/NYG - even though NBC just had this one and FOX will likely protect it this time.-Was/Bal - interesting border game with two teams in the hunt.-Dallas/Pitt - I think this is the likely choice once FOX protects the aforementioned Giants game. They can only protect one, so maybe this will be it and we get a SNF sequel or the border war, but I think NBC will push for this and Fox will want the New York and Philly market once. This is a premier matchup.-Atl/New Orleans - if the Saints got hot. SNF might want to show Matt Ryan once this year. Basically the other six teams mentioned would all have to die first to get this on.Lots of big games that week. New England isn't keeping that spot.

 

[tombonneau]

And other than that NE/Sea game which will obviously get moved, that SNF schedule looks really good to me. Stop whining.

I don't know about that. Even without Brady, I think NE is still probably the second biggest TV draw besides Dallas, regardless of who they are playing.

That game is getting moved. NE is an average team right now and without Brady, they have only Moss as name appeal. Add to that they're playing maybe the most uninteresting team in football who is miles out of the race in a horrid division and there is roughly a 0% chance of NBC showing that game in a critical week. Here are the choices that it will get moved forhilly/NYG - even though NBC just had this one and FOX will likely protect it this time.-Was/Bal - interesting border game with two teams in the hunt.-Dallas/Pitt - I think this is the likely choice once FOX protects the aforementioned Giants game. They can only protect one, so maybe this will be it and we get a SNF sequel or the border war, but I think NBC will push for this and Fox will want the New York and Philly market once. This is a premier matchup.-Atl/New Orleans - if the Saints got hot. SNF might want to show Matt Ryan once this year. Basically the other six teams mentioned would all have to die first to get this on.Lots of big games that week. New England isn't keeping that spot.

Looking at FOX slate, you're right, they will likely switch whatever is not protected from Philly/NYG and DAL/PITT.

 

[prosopis]

TB/CAR...I know it matters, but...

But what? One team is 8-2, the other is 7-3, the game will likely decide the winner of one of the best two divisions in football and to add to it, the two teams hate each other.Do you just want them to show the Titans from here on out? I know you're a fan, and they're a great team, but I got news for you...the country is not waiting with baited breath to watch Kerry Collins throw to Justin Gage either. Just an fyi.

TB/Car should be a great game.

 

[tombonneau]

TB/CAR...I know it matters, but...

But what? One team is 8-2, the other is 7-3, the game will likely decide the winner of one of the best two divisions in football and to add to it, the two teams hate each other.Do you just want them to show the Titans from here on out? I know you're a fan, and they're a great team, but I got news for you...the country is not waiting with baited breath to watch Kerry Collins throw to Justin Gage either. Just an fyi.

TB/Car should be a great game.

Have you watched Jake Delhomme throw passes lately?

 

[djcolts]

Yes, I know that SNF can change a little but this is mostly just...meh. Sure wish we could see GB, CHI, and PHI play a few more games. Doubling down on CLE worked out great, as well. To submit MNF loyalists to JAX/HOU is a sin as is CLE/PHI.MNF:Cle/Buf...neither likely to make playoffsGB/NO...okJax/Hou...nasty. Two cellar dwellersTB/CAR...I know it matters, but...CLE/PHI...neither will make the playoffs and we are watching this crap on MNF in December.GB/CHI...should be a great game after what we saw yesterday ThursdayNF:CIN/PittARI/PHIOAK/SD -- neither making playoffsNO/CHIIND/JAX -- playing for distant 2nd place in divisionBAL/DAL -- pretty goodSNF:Colts/Chargers Bears/VikingsNE/SEANYG/DallasSD/TB -- edge of my seat, babyTBAWhat did we do to deserve this?

You're already 0 for 1 in your #####ing and moaning - as BUF/CLE was an entertaining game, and had AFC WC implications for Buffalo. The fact that we are this deep in ths season, and only 3 or 4 prime-time games can really be classified as horrible, is pretty good.

 

[Osaurus]

TB/CAR...I know it matters, but...

But what? One team is 8-2, the other is 7-3, the game will likely decide the winner of one of the best two divisions in football and to add to it, the two teams hate each other.Do you just want them to show the Titans from here on out? I know you're a fan, and they're a great team, but I got news for you...the country is not waiting with baited breath to watch Kerry Collins throw to Justin Gage either. Just an fyi.

TB/Car should be a great game.

Looking forward to this one.

 

[PosterNutBag]

FYI .... the NFL announced today that it is bumping the NE@SEA game from the week 14 Sunday Night game to 4:05pm and will now be showing Redskins @ Ravens in its place ... link

Redskins-Ravens game moved to prime time

NEW YORK (AP) -The Washington-Baltimore game on Dec. 7 in Baltimore has been moved from 1 p.m. EST to 8:15 p.m. and will be televised by NBC as part of the NFL's flexible scheduling.

It will replace New England at Seattle, which now will be played at 4:05 p.m. EST. It's the first switch of a game from afternoon to prime time this season.

The Redskins-Ravens game is between two teams in the playoff race with 7-4 records. While the Patriots, also 7-4, remain in contention, Seattle (2-9) is out of it.

The flex scheduling was instituted with the new television contract in 2005 to allow more attractive games to be switched to prime time in the last two months of the season.

 

[Kiddnets]

I can see the Jets getting a Sun night game or 2 down the stretch - Favre with big market.....bad schedule though - only Buff and Mia games have appeal - one of them will probably be moved.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I can see the Jets getting a Sun night game or 2 down the stretch - Favre with big market.....bad schedule though - only Buff and Mia games have appeal - one of them will probably be moved.

As a season ticket holder, I really hope not, but you are probably right.

 

[PosterNutBag]

I can see the Jets getting a Sun night game or 2 down the stretch - Favre with big market.....bad schedule though - only Buff and Mia games have appeal - one of them will probably be moved.

No way NYJ/BUF bumps NYG/DAL from SNF, but I could see that game getting moved from 1pm to 4:15pm since right now the only 4:15 game for CBS that Sunday is NE@OAK (it's laughable that is the DH game). PIT@BAL could get moved too on that Sunday.I think the last game against MIA is the only one that could possibly be a SNF game (they have yet to announce the SNF for week 17).

 

[Buckna]

The Houston Texans have NEVER had a Monday Night Football game. They are the only franchise currently in existence to have never played a MNF game. Additionally, a MNF game has not been played in Houston in 14 years.

So I don't care if you think it will be a boring matchup, we deserve to finally get one!!!

 

[PosterNutBag]

The Houston Texans have NEVER had a Monday Night Football game. They are the only franchise currently in existence to have never played a MNF game. Additionally, a MNF game has not been played in Houston in 14 years.

So I don't care if you think it will be a boring matchup, we deserve to finally get one!!!

Posting a winning record in a given season and chances are you will get one the following season.

 

[shredhead]

Yes, I know that SNF can change a little but this is mostly just...meh. Sure wish we could see GB, CHI, and PHI play a few more games. Doubling down on CLE worked out great, as well. To submit MNF loyalists to JAX/HOU is a sin as is CLE/PHI.

MNF:

Cle/Buf...neither likely to make playoffs Was entertaining!

GB/NO...ok Should be good

Jax/Hou...nasty. Two cellar dwellers As someone else wrote, it's about time Houston got a MNF game

TB/CAR...I know it matters, but... I think it will be a good game

CLE/PHI...neither will make the playoffs and we are watching this crap on MNF in December. Meh!

GB/CHI...should be a great game after what we saw yesterday These two teams in the cold weather. Great division rivalry

ThursdayNF:

CIN/Pitt That was a boring game

ARI/PHI If Donovan pulls his head out...

OAK/SD -- neither making playoffs Denver sucks, SD wins the west. Division rivalry

NO/CHI Sounds good to me

IND/JAX -- playing for distant 2nd place in division Looked good on peper when the schedule came out.

BAL/DAL -- pretty good Yeah, should be good

SNF:

Colts/Chargers That was a good game

Bears/Vikings Should be good, division rivalry

NE/SEA Should be high scoring at least.

NYG/Dallas Should be good.

SD/TB -- edge of my seat, baby This has playoff implications written all over it.

TBA

What did we do to deserve this?

I think you're being a little harsh, I think there are several intriguing games on national TV. You have to remember that they are scheduling these games in the spring, They have to use hunches on what good matchups are going to be. Cleveland was setting the world on fire last year offensively, I'm not surprised to see them in prime time.

 

[Buckna]

The Houston Texans have NEVER had a Monday Night Football game. They are the only franchise currently in existence to have never played a MNF game. Additionally, a MNF game has not been played in Houston in 14 years.

So I don't care if you think it will be a boring matchup, we deserve to finally get one!!!

Posting a winning record in a given season and chances are you will get one the following season.

8-8 not good enough for you?

 

[PosterNutBag]

8-8 not good enough for you?

that's right .... that is exactly why i phrased it the way i did, b/c 8-8 is not good enough for a team that is a perennial loser based on the way they have handed out MNF games since i have paid attention ... a team like the Texans needs to post a winning record before being given a game, especially one at home

 

[BassNBrew]

The Houston Texans have NEVER had a Monday Night Football game. They are the only franchise currently in existence to have never played a MNF game. Additionally, a MNF game has not been played in Houston in 14 years.

So I don't care if you think it will be a boring matchup, we deserve to finally get one!!!

We've already gotten 3 Red Raider prime games this year. Why would the nation want a product inferior to that???

 

[Buckna]

8-8 not good enough for you?

that's right .... that is exactly why i phrased it the way i did, b/c 8-8 is not good enough for a team that is a perennial loser based on the way they have handed out MNF games since i have paid attention ... a team like the Texans needs to post a winning record before being given a game, especially one at home

Then please explain to me why 12 teams with losing records were given appearances this year and 3 had the same record of 8-8? The Arizona Cardinals haven't had a winning season in a longer period of time than the Texans have existed yet still got a MNF appearance this year. Oakland hasn't had a winning season since the Texans inaugural year and got a MNF appearance this year. The 49'ers haven't had a winning season in 5 years.It's a valid argument that as an expansion team they didn't warrant consideration for the first few years for various reasons (fanbase, ratings, poor performance), but I call a big they didn't deserve to be scheduled for one this year.

 

[BassNBrew]

8-8 not good enough for you?

that's right .... that is exactly why i phrased it the way i did, b/c 8-8 is not good enough for a team that is a perennial loser based on the way they have handed out MNF games since i have paid attention ... a team like the Texans needs to post a winning record before being given a game, especially one at home

Then please explain to me why 12 teams with losing records were given appearances this year and 3 had the same record of 8-8? The Arizona Cardinals haven't had a winning season in a longer period of time than the Texans have existed yet still got a MNF appearance this year. Oakland hasn't had a winning season since the Texans inaugural year and got a MNF appearance this year. The 49'ers haven't had a winning season in 5 years.It's a valid argument that as an expansion team they didn't warrant consideration for the first few years for various reasons (fanbase, ratings, poor performance), but I call a big they didn't deserve to be scheduled for one this year.

Because they (12 teams) aren't as boring.

 

[TC]

MNF:Jax/Hou...nasty. Two cellar dwellersWhat did we do to deserve this?

Games need not be important to the playoff races to be enjoyable. True. JAX ain't going anywhere. Yet, they and HOU are fun teams to watch. You don't know if they'll win by 17 or lose by 7. Then again, some "contenders" (CHI, WAS, BUF, BAL) are not highly viewable to me. Entertain me - that's all I ask.

 

[Kiddnets]

I can see the Jets getting a Sun night game or 2 down the stretch - Favre with big market.....bad schedule though - only Buff and Mia games have appeal - one of them will probably be moved.

No way NYJ/BUF bumps NYG/DAL from SNF, but I could see that game getting moved from 1pm to 4:15pm since right now the only 4:15 game for CBS that Sunday is NE@OAK (it's laughable that is the DH game). PIT@BAL could get moved too on that Sunday.I think the last game against MIA is the only one that could possibly be a SNF game (they have yet to announce the SNF for week 17).

Sounds about right - 4:15 Jets/Bills and a SNF Mia/JEts with a possible division title/bye on the line.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Monday Night is the new Sunday Night. They always had lesser teams on the old Sunday Night broadcasts. They tried to get every team at least one night game.

Sunday Night is the new Monday Night and all of the teams listed were either good last year or appeared to be on the edge of being good.

 

[beermutts]

Not sure it has the mass appeal to all but the PITT/BAL game on Dec. 14th will probably be for the AFC North Division Crown. It is slated for 1PM EST right now. I could see that getting moved to 4PM