The NFL’s decision to flex the Patriots-Chiefs game out of Monday Night Football for Week 15 reflects a surprising twist in the season. This move, prompted by the exclusion of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce from prime time, underscores a shift in focus toward the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks match-up.
The New England Patriots‘ performance this season seems to contribute to this adjustment, indicating a deviation from the anticipated spotlight on marquee teams and players. This shocked most of the NFL fans, as the Kansas City Chiefs were getting flexed out by their NFC rival team, the Philadelphia Eagles, putting forth an unexpected turn of events.
Kelce and Mahomes get replaced for Jalen Hurts
The Eagles and Seahawks are set for a showdown in their respective sixth and fourth prime-time appearances during Week 15. Notably, this marks the second of three consecutive prime-time games for the Eagles and the third in four weeks for the Seahawks. The upcoming match-up carries an extra layer of excitement, fueled by the outstanding performances of two promising candidates for the Defensive Rookie of the Year title: Jalen Carter, the formidable defensive tackle showcasing his skills for the Eagles, and Devon Witherspoon, the impactful cornerback making waves for the Seahawks.
You know how bad the Patriots have to be to get Patrick Mahomes flexed out of primetime?
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) November 30, 2023
This season, the NFL brought variety to the forefront by introducing the option to flex Monday Night Football games between weeks 12 and 17, allowing for dynamic adjustments to the prime-time schedule. It’s worth noting that any changes to Monday night match-ups must be confirmed 12 days before the scheduled game day.
Amidst this backdrop, the Eagles have clinched the top spot in the NFL rankings, boasting an impressive 10-1 record and firmly establishing themselves as leaders in the highly competitive NFC East.
Similarly, the Chiefs command the AFC West with a solid 8-3 record. Still, they were overlooked by the NFL. The reason behind this shift was quite skeptical for some fans, mainly because Mahomes and Kelce have been still getting massive attention in their prime time.
The Pats vs Chiefs clash did not meet the expectations?
The shift is potentially happening because the Eagles’ clash with the Seahawks is a much more exciting option to watch than the Pats vs Chiefs game. The rescheduled Patriots-Chiefs game on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. adds to a challenging season for the Patriots, currently standing at 2-9 as they approach their Week 13 clash with the L.A. Chargers. The shift out of prime time marks another setback for a team grappling with a series of disappointments.
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Despite facing challenges, the Patriots are set to take centre stage nationally in the coming weeks. They are scheduled for a Thursday night clash against the Steelers on December 7 and a Sunday night showdown against the Broncos on December 24. This provides the Patriots with an opportunity to regain respect for the season. What are your thoughts about this? Let us know in the comments section.
