The National Football League introduced flexible scheduling to allow games late in the season to be moved from Sunday afternoons to Sunday evenings, in an attempt to showcase quality matchups. In 2008, the December 7 game between the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Ravens was moved from 4:05 p.m. EST to 8:15 EST and will replace the New England Patriots game with the Seattle Seahawks.ESPN.com: NBC to Show Skins-Ravens in Prime Time...
Reasoning
The flex scheduling system was instituted in 2006 to allow teams to play their way into the Sunday evening spotlight. This gives teams that appeared to be non-contenders before the season, when the schedule was decided, to work their way up into the Sunday night featured spot.NFL.com: Flexible Scheduling
Regulations
Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday evening. All games scheduled for Thursday nights, early afternoon on Sundays or Monday nights cannot be moved. Additionally, the flex scheduling can only be used on week 11 games and later, and the league must announced the move at least 12 days in advance, except in week 17, when a six-day notice is required.NFL.com: Flexible Scheduling
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
NFL can swap Sunday game times, moving games from the afternoon to the eveningNFL.com: Flexible Scheduling
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Fact:
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Fact:
Only Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening games can be swappedNFL.com: Flexible Scheduling
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Fact:
Option available for week 11 through week 17 gamesNFL.com: Flexible Scheduling
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Fact:
League will announce the move at least 12 days in advance in weeks 11 through 16NFL.com: Flexible Scheduling
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Fact:
Changes will be announced six days in advance for week 17 movesNFL.com: Flexible Scheduling
