We've only played 5 weeks, so a lot will change between now and the the beginning of NBC's flex package.

But its always fun to prognosticate.

Remember that Fox and CBS can each protect a certain number of games as well.

Each team can appear in primetime a max of 5 times, with 3 teams allowed to appear 6 times.

WEEK 11

Penciled in game : Washington at Dallas

I think its a lock NBC keeps this one. No network would turn down a chance to show the ratings monster that is the Cowboys, and they're playing an arch rival to boot.


WEEK 12

Penciled in game: Indy at San Diego

Pretty strong chance NBC keeps this one. Both teams are underachieving so far this year, but they remain marquee teams with lots of recognizable players. If those teams continue to struggle, Jets/Titans could be a darkhorse alternative.

WEEK 13

Penciled in game: Chicago at Minnesota

This is the first game that I think has a decent chance of getting bumped. Both teams are solid, but boring to watch. Peterson is a draw, but there are better games on the schedule. Packers/Panthers, Broncos/Jets, NYG/Washington, and New England/Pittsburgh would be better choices. I'd expect FOX and CBS respectively to protect those last two. Plus the Giants and Skins were already on NBC in the first game of the year, so they probably have that same matchup again anyway.

WEEK 14

Penciled in game: New England at Seattle

This game has lost a lot of its luster with Brady out and Seattle playing like garbage thus far. Potential replacements include Washington/Baltimore, Jacksonville/Chicago, and Philly/NYG. I'm sure CBS is protecting Dallas/ Pittsburgh.

WEEK 15

Penciled in game: NYG at Dallas

Another 99 percent lock to stay put. Denver/Carolina would have a chance to replace most games, but not this one.

WEEK 16

Penciled in game: San Diego at Tampa Bay

Doesn't really seem like too exciting of a game on paper, especially if the Chargers' struggles continue. I could see it getting replaced by a potential shootout between Denver and Buffalo, or any one of NYG/Carolina, Pittsburgh/Tennessee, or Philly/Washington

WEEK 17

No game penciled in !

The League will wait until after the week 16 games to make sure a game with playoff implications is put in primetime. At this point there look to be at least 6 games between potential playoff teams, so I'm going pick 1 out of the bunch and go with New Orleans/Carolina in a game to decide the NFC South Champion.




Pretty much NFC EAST matchup is primetime worthy

10/6/2008 3:37:12 PM

Giants baby

10/6/2008 3:38:42 PM

Washington already played at Dallas....

10/6/2008 3:51:43 PM

Well then switch it around then you sassy fuck

10/6/2008 3:58:40 PM

haha

10/6/2008 4:03:53 PM

good thread, ^^great quote.

10/6/2008 4:08:01 PM

How does the 'protection' of games work? I was under the impression that with flex scheduling, the NFL decided which game if any was moved into the Sunday night slot and not FOX or CBS?

10/6/2008 4:25:46 PM

Fox and CBS each get to protect their most coveted games so NBC can't steal them away

I think its about 5 games from each network that they can protect from being moved

They can still move games between the 1 and 4.15 slots...usually putting the better matchup at 4.15 if they have a doubleheader that week

10/6/2008 4:31:26 PM

Week 17.. Patriots at Buffalo to determine the AFC East champion.. with the loser missing out on the playoffs entirely

10/6/2008 8:02:58 PM

if by any chance the panthers/broncos game goes primetime, i wont be able to go yo

ah fuck it ill call in sick monday

[Edited on October 6, 2008 at 8:08 PM. Reason : ]

10/6/2008 8:08:05 PM