How does game flex work?

[EST_1986]

NFL Flexible Scheduling 101

• Begins Sunday of Week 5
• In effect during Weeks 5-17
• Up to 2 games may be flexed into Sunday Night between Weeks 5-10
• Only Sunday afternoon games are subject to being moved into the Sunday night window.
• The game that has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday night during flex weeks will be listed at 8:15 p.m. ET.
• The majority of games on Sundays will be listed at 1:00 p.m. ET during flex weeks except for games played in Pacific or Mountain Time zones which will be listed at 4:05 or 4:15 p.m. ET.
• No impact on Thursday, Saturday or Monday night games.
• The NFL will decide (after consultation with CBS, FOX, NBC) and announce as early as possible the game being played at 8:15 p.m. ET. The announcement will come no later than 12 days prior to the game. The NFL may also announce games moving to 4:05 p.m. ET and 4:25 p.m. ET.
• Week 17 start time changes could be decided on 6 days notice to ensure a game with playoff implications.
• The NBC Sunday night time slot in "flex" weeks will list the game that has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday night.
• Fans and ticket holders must be aware that NFL games in flex weeks are subject to change 12 days in advance (6 days in Week 17) and should plan accordingly.
• NFL schedules all games.
• Teams will be informed as soon as they are no longer under consideration or eligible for a move to Sunday night.

http://www.nfl.com/flexible-schedules

 

[Proximo]

I don't understand why they didn't flex our game when the Chiefs were always going to win that battle against the Broncos with Lock playing for the Broncos. The Bears we're just about out of it. Our game was likely to have more of a playoff impact. So, I'd have thought they'd switch those two out.

I’m not sure about all the rules and checks and balances that exist for flexing games between the networks, but I read yesterday that Fox “protected” our game. They had the rights to it initially and did not want to lose it. Understandable as it will get a ton of viewers.


Also I hate prime time so I’m super happy it’s staying in the afternoon.

 

[Dallasfann]

I don't understand why they didn't flex our game when the Chiefs were always going to win that battle against the Broncos with Lock playing for the Broncos. The Bears we're just about out of it. Our game was likely to have more of a playoff impact. So, I'd have thought they'd switch those two out.

I could be way off but doesn't Fox have a say in it also? I can't imagine any network is willing to give up a game featuring the Cowboys in an essential playoff game. I could be way wrong on that.