The NFL has flexed the Week 11 Bengals vs. Chargers game to Sunday Night Football, replacing the Jets-Colts matchup.
The NFL has officially flexed the Week 11 matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers to Sunday Night Football. Set for an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff on NBC, this prime-time shift bumps the New York Jets-Indianapolis Colts game to a 1 p.m. ET slot on CBS.
Both teams bring momentum and competitive stakes to the spotlight. The Chargers, standing at 5-3, have shown a solid defensive front this season. Quarterback Justin Herbert continues to deliver impressive performances, especially since their Week 5 bye.
Meanwhile, the Bengals, with a 4-5 record, are fighting to stay in the playoff race. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase aim to keep Cincinnati in contention with back-to-back prime-time appearances, facing the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football in Week 10.
The NFL’s flex scheduling allows impactful games to take priority in prime-time slots, ensuring fans have access to the most exciting matchups. Since its introduction in 2006, flex scheduling has allowed the league to spotlight games with playoff implications or standout storylines.
This season, flex scheduling also includes Monday and Thursday nights on a trial basis, though only Sunday afternoon games are eligible for prime-time flexes.
For both teams, this game could be pivotal. The Bengals are coming off a strong win in Week 9, where Burrow threw five touchdowns to secure a 41-24 victory over the Raiders.
The Chargers also triumphed in Week 9, defeating the Browns 27-10, a win that boosted their record and placed them second in the AFC West, right behind the undefeated Chiefs.
The game’s move to Sunday Night Football also frees up a coveted afternoon national broadcast for another AFC showdown: the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills. Set for 4:25 p.m. ET, this game, featuring two of the AFC’s top contenders, will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Both the Chiefs (7-0) and the Bills (7-2) are considered favorites for the AFC Championship, and fans are likely in for a potential playoff preview.
With the Bengals-Chargers matchup flexed to prime time, the Jets and Colts find themselves with a 1 p.m. ET start on CBS. Both teams have had a rough season so far. The Jets, led by an inconsistent Aaron Rodgers, currently sit at 3-6. Despite a recent Thursday Night Football win over the Texans, the team’s performance hasn’t met early expectations.
Indianapolis is also dealing with challenges. After benching quarterback Anthony Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco, the Colts lost their first game under this new setup, falling to the Vikings 21-13 on Sunday Night Football. Now at 2-7, the Colts face an uphill battle to turn things around.
The NFL’s flex scheduling policy is designed to showcase high-stakes games to the widest audience. Flexing for Sunday Night Football can happen twice between Weeks 5-10 and at the league’s discretion from Weeks 11-17.
Announcements must be made no later than 12 days before a game for Weeks 5-13 and six days before for Weeks 14-17. This season, the NFL has extended flex scheduling to include Monday and Thursday nights on a trial basis, allowing for even more flexibility to highlight key matchups.
As the league explains on its official website, “the NFL is continuously reviewing its scheduling procedures to ensure exciting and meaningful games are available for viewing by the largest number of fans.”
In Week 11, the spotlight shifts to the Bengals and Chargers, with both teams ready to bring their best for Sunday Night Football. With playoff hopes on the line, fans are in for a thrilling AFC showdown.
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