6 days Ago
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — A recent Sunday Night Football game between the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings wasn't exactly on the NFL schedule when it was released back in May .
Once upon a time, when a prime-time schedule was announced, there was no changing it. But, as the NFL becomes more and more popular, the idea of being flexible with the schedule to avoid less-than-ideal games late in the season came about. RELATED: The full list of Bills, NFL games airing on Channel 2 this season Not just any game can be moved to Sunday Night Football, though.
There are scheduling procedures. For example, NBC can flex in two games between Weeks 5 and 10, and at the NFL's discretion from Weeks 11 to 17. Also, only Sunday afternoon games, or those with times listed as "to be determined," can move to Sunday night.
There's also a window of time where the decision must be made. For Sunday night games played from Weeks 5 to 13, that decision must be made no later than 12 days before the game. That window drops to six days for Weeks 14 to 17.
One more thing: TV partners have the right to protect a game that it covets. For example, a marquee game such as the Bills hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in the 4 p.m.
Sunday window in Week 11 would be unlikely to be moved from the start. Plan accordingly if you're a fan traveling to games, because you won't want to lose money to alter flights or book an extra night at a hotel..
