The 2024 NFL season continues to roll on, which means the race towards the playoffs is almost here. While certain squads have delivered on preseason expectations, there have been many surprises that have shaken up the scope of the standings.
Excitement can be fueled by flex scheduling, something the NFL has implemented for almost two decades. But, how exactly does it work, and what makes the 2024 season different from years past?
What is Flex Scheduling?
Flexible scheduling, commonly known as “flex scheduling,” was introduced by the NFL in 2006 in order to provide fans with meaningful and exciting primetime matchups throughout the entire season. Prior to 2023, this procedure only applied to Sunday Night Football, but the league adjusted to include Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football on a trial basis.
When does Flex Scheduling start?
- Sunday Night Football: Flex scheduling may be used up to twice between Weeks 5-10, as well as Weeks 11-17 at the NFL’s discretion
- Monday Night Football: Flex scheduling may be used between Weeks 12-17 at the NFL’s discretion
- Thursday Night Football: Flex scheduling may be used up to twice between Weeks 13-17
What are the NFL Flex rules?
During the Flex Scheduling Windows, the games initially scheduled for Sunday Night Football (on NBC), Monday Night Football (on ESPN or ABC), and Thursday Night Football (on Amazon Prime) are tentatively scheduled and subject to change.
Only Sunday afternoon games (or those listed as TBD) are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, Monday night, or Thursday night, in which case the initially scheduled Sunday, Monday, or Thursday night game would be moved to Sunday afternoon.
Sunday afternoon games may also be moved between 1:00 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. or 4:25 p.m. ET.
As in prior seasons, for Week 18, the final weekend of the season, the scheduling of the Saturday, Sunday afternoon, and the Sunday night games is not assigned. The schedule for Week 18 will be announced at the conclusion of Week 17.
Click here for additional Flex Scheduling information.
What games have been flexed in 2024?
The NFL has flexed five games through 15 weeks of the season. Indianapolis Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings took center stage in place of Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9.
Week 11 saw Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers get the Sunday night slot in place of Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Jets.
The NFL has issued its first-ever Thursday Night Football flex for Week 16, with the Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals getting swapped out for the Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers. The AFC North divisional matchup will now be played on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1:00 p.m. on FOX.
Week 16 sees another last-second change, with the New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills getting flexed to 4:25 p.m. on CBS.
Sunday night’s Week 17 matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns has also been flexed out, and taking its place is an NFC battle between the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders.
The NFL regular season will conclude when the Minnesota Vikings travel to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
How can I watch Sunday Night Football on NBC and Peacock?
You can watch Sunday Night Football on your TV with a TV provider login on the NBC Sports app, or via NBCSports.com. Check your local listings to find your NBC channel. If you can’t find NBC in your channel lineup, please contact your TV provider.
You can stream Sunday Night Football on Peacock. Sign up here.
If you have already created your Peacock account, and you added a password, you can now Sign In with that email and password on all your supported devices. If you never set your password, or forgot it, reset it now.
If you have a Peacock account but don’t have a Premium plan, Sign In and select Account in the upper right corner. Under Plans & Payment, you should see an option to Upgrade to Premium.
Will Sunday Night Football be available in Spanish on Peacock?
Every Sunday Night Football game is available in Spanish on Peacock, with coverage also being available on Telemundo and Universo.
What devices does Peacock support?
Click here for a full list of devices supported by Peacock.
