Could Rams vs. Saints Thursday Night Football Game Be Flexed?
The Los Angeles Rams received just two primetime games in 2023, much fewer than they have in previous seasons. And with a rule change passed on Monday, it's possible they only have one by the end of the season.
On Monday, NFL owners approved a proposal to allow flexible scheduling on Thursday Night Football. However, there are some caveats in that proposal. The only games eligible for flexing are those between Weeks 13 and 17, only two games are eligible per season and there is a required four-week notice. The NFL also notes that this change is on a "trial basis."
With this rule change, the Rams' Week 16 Thursday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints is now subject to flexing. And considering this game might have the fewest playoff implications, it's very possible that it will be flexed out.
Both L.A. and New Orleans are facing plenty of questions this season. The Rams tore down much of their roster this offseason, while the Saints are trying to make their first playoff appearance since 2020. If one or both of these teams aren't looking so hot in mid-November, the NFL would consider moving the game.
The good news is that the rest of the Week 16 schedule leaves the door open for the game to keep its primetime slot. As this is the week of Christmas, there are already six other games with their own time slots: two on that Saturday, the Sunday night game and three on Christmas Day. This leaves the NFL with fewer options to fill the Thursday night slot, although there are a couple compelling choices.
We'll have to wait until midway through the season to find out if this game actually gets flexed, but the possibility is certainly there.
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