This is the first season where the NFL can flex games into Thursday night. The 2022 season had many underwhelming Thursday Night Football games due to teams severely underachieving. The NFL’s flex window is between Week 13 to Week 17. If a game is flexed into Thursday, it must be done 28 days ahead and no teams can play on Thursday night more than twice.
Exciting Flex Options and Playoff Battles Await in Week 15
Why go over the league’s flexing procedures for TNF? Week 15 could be a prime opportunity for a flex. The Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to visit the Las Vegas Raiders in an AFC West rivalry on Thursday. However, this game could lack stakes, as NFL lines had the Raiders’ projected win total at seven during the offseason. The Chargers will likely contend for a playoff spot, but the league could look to flex a game with potential playoff teams.
The Vikings-Bengals and Jets-Dolphins are potential flex options. Minnesota against Cincinnati would have plenty of fireworks between two of the league’s best offenses. It will also feature two of the NFL’s best wide receivers, Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase.
New York and Miami battled on Black Friday. Would the NFL put the Jets-Dolphins in another primetime spotlight? These are potential playoff teams, and the AFC East rivalry increases the intensity. This matchup is full of star power with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, cornerback Ahmad Gardner, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Sunday Night Showdown: Ravens vs Jaguars, Battle of Potential Playoff Teams
Don’t expect Sunday Night Football to be flexed. The Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars is a promising matchup between potential playoff teams. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Trevor Lawrence are also among the NFL odds’ favorites to win the MVP Award.
Week 15 ends with a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. This could be another flex option, depending on the Pats’ standing. New England could contend for a wild-card spot, but if it is struggling, the NFL could flex MNF. Few fans would want to see the Chiefs go into New England and stomp the Patriots.
However, the coaching matchup between Andy Reid and Bill Belichick will be awesome. These are two of the best coaches over the last 25 years. Belichick is acknowledged as the greatest coach of all time by most, and Reid could have cracked the top 10 after winning his second Super Bowl last season. The Chiefs’ offense against the Pats’ defense will be a constant chess match. Reid is an offensive mastermind, while Belichick earned his chops on defense.
The New York Giants against the New Orleans Saints is an enticing matchup taking place on Sunday afternoon. Both are potential playoff squads in the NFC. This could be a playoff preview, as the Giants are likely targeting a wild-card spot while the Saints are contending for the NFC South title.
Sunday Evening Matchups: Cowboys vs Bills and Eagles vs Seahawks
Like in Week 14, we are in store for another fantastic Sunday evening. At 4:25 p.m. ET, the Dallas Cowboys visit the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles battle the Seattle Seahawks.
The Cowboys and Bills have not faced since 2019. The rivalry will be renewed on Sunday. Remember, Dallas dominated Buffalo in Super Bowl 27 and Super Bowl 28 in 1993 and 1994. The Bills’ fan base could be more rowdy than usual with the Cowboys coming to town. Of course, this is also an exciting matchup on paper. Both teams have been listed as potential contenders. However, neither team has been able to break through. Dallas has not made the NFC Championship since 1996, and Buffalo has not won the AFC Championship since 1994.
The NFC is led by tlear contenders – the Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. The conference is weak, especially compared to the stacked AFC. The Seahawks have the potential to surprise with a deep run in the postseason. Seattle could make a statement against Philadelphia.
NFL odds for Week 15 offer plenty of intriguing bets. The low point spreads of the Ravens-Jaguars, Jets-Dolphins, Giants-Saints and Cowboys-Bills could be among the most popular bets.
Now, as we delve into NFL Week 16 Odds, the intensity only amplifies. With the playoffs looming on the horizon, every game becomes pivotal in determining the postseason fate of teams.
