The NFL has decided to flex the Week 17 matchup between rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders against the Atlanta Falcons, moving it to prime time as the “Sunday Night Football” game.
The Washington Commanders (9-5), who have won their last two games, are on the brink of securing their first playoff berth since their appearance in the wild-card round as the Washington Football Team in 2020. Their playoff hopes are growing stronger as they aim to secure a spot in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons (7-7) are still in contention for the NFC South division title, trailing the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) by just one game. The Falcons are fighting to stay in the playoff race and will need to perform well to have a shot at securing the division crown.
This Week 17 game, which will be aired live on NBC, replaces the originally scheduled game between the Miami Dolphins (6-8) and the Cleveland Browns (3-11). The Dolphins and Browns will now play at 4:05 p.m. on Sunday, with the game broadcast on CBS.
In addition to the Sunday night game, the NFL also revealed the schedule for the Saturday, Dec. 28 games. The action kicks off with the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) traveling to take on the New England Patriots (3-11) at 1 p.m. ET in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Later in the day, at 4:30 p.m. ET, the Denver Broncos (9-5) will head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals (6-8). This game will be important for both teams, as the Broncos are in a tight race for playoff positioning, while the Bengals are trying to play spoiler and end their season on a high note.
The final game of the Saturday slate will feature the Arizona Cardinals (7-7) visiting the Los Angeles Rams (8-6) at 8 p.m. ET in Inglewood, California. This matchup will carry significant weight for both teams, as the Rams are trying to solidify their position in the NFC West, while the Cardinals are looking to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
As Week 17 approaches, it is clear that many teams are still battling for postseason spots, and the NFL’s scheduling decisions reflect the importance of these matchups. With playoff berths on the line, fans can expect intense action and high stakes in the coming weeks.
