Why is Week 11 Chiefs vs. Chargers matchup flexed to Sunday Night Football?
The Chiefs-Charges matchup move to Sunday Night Football ensures a prime-time game between two teams with winning records
The NFL announced its first flex scheduling change of the season, and it’s evidently the Week 11 game between the Chiefs and Chargers.
The game was originally scheduled on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, but will now take place on Sunday Night Football on NBC.
On the other hand, the matchup between the Bengals and Steelers in Pittsburgh, which was originally scheduled for the Sunday night spot, will now take the Chiefs-Chargers’ place, at 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.
Why is the Chiefs-Chargers game now on Sunday night?
Moving the AFC West clash to Sunday night gives the matchup prime-time treatment. This will be the second prime time game between the teams this year, with both the Chiefs at 6-2 and the Chargers at 5-3, both winning records.
On Amazon’s first Thursday Night Football broadcast this year, the Chiefs beat the Chargers 27-24.
Kansas City, who have been on Sunday night football twice this season, had a Week 9 overtime victory over the Titans. They are scheduled for another appearance against the Broncos in Week 14. Los Angeles will now be playing in back-to-back Sunday night games as they prepare to face the 49ers in Week 10. They are also set to face the Rams in an all-Los Angeles meeting in Week 17.
The league can change any Sunday afternoon games to the Sunday night window no later than 12 days before the game. However, there are no flex options to replace or Monday or Thursday night games with other attractive matchups.