NFL Flexes Out Week 17 'SNF' Dolphins-Browns Matchup for NFC Showdown

The Browns were eliminated from the playoffs, so the NFL wanted to instead showcase a game with playoff implications.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw a pass. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The NFL announced some scheduling changes for Week 17, including flexing the Sunday Night Football matchup on Dec. 29.

Originally, the 6–8 Miami Dolphins and the 3–11 Cleveland Browns were slotted for the primetime matchup on Sunday night. But the Browns have already been eliminated from the playoffs, so the NFL wants to showcase a matchup that has postseason implications. This game will now be shown at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.

Instead, the game between the 9–5 Washington Commanders and the 7–7 Atlanta Falcons will fill the primetime slot on NBC. The Commanders are currently holding onto the seventh seed in the playoffs, while the Falcons remain in the bubble with a slim chance of making the postseason if they can finish their season strong.

🚨 WEEK 17 SCHEDULE FLEX 🚨

Falcons vs. Commanders will now be played on Sunday Night Football at 8:20pm ET on NBC.

Dolphins vs. Browns will move to 4:05pm ET on CBS. pic.twitter.com/4VW1eR75e1

— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024

As of now, it would be a showdown between rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and veteran Kirk Cousins, unless Falcons coach Raheem Morris chooses to bench Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. That could be a matchup many NFL fans would be excited to tune in for.

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