Schedule

Flexible Scheduling

The NFL will utilize a primetime flexible scheduling element for the 2011 season on Sundays in Weeks 10-15 and 17. Flexible scheduling ensures quality match-ups on Sunday nights late in the year and gives surprise teams a chance to play their way into primetime.

The NFL has the ability to change the start times of games on Sunday afternoon to 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, using a 12-day notice format in Weeks 10-15 and a six-day notice format in Week 17. For example, a game scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 20 at 1:00 p.m. ET could be moved to 8:20 p.m., but the change would be announced no later than Tuesday, Nov. 8. The game originally scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 20 at 8:20 p.m. ET would then be moved to an afternoon time slot at 1:00, 4:05 or 4:15 p.m. ET.

For the 2011 season, flexible scheduling has the potential to affect Panthers games versus Tennessee on Nov. 13, at Detroit on Nov. 20, at Indianapolis on Nov. 27, at Tampa Bay on Dec. 4, versus Atlanta on Dec. 11, at Houston on Dec. 18 and at New Orleans on Jan. 1. Fans planning to attend games during flexible scheduling weeks should be aware that game times are subject to change, and they may have to adjust their plans in the event of an altered kickoff time.

Only Sunday afternoon games may be changed, and flexible scheduling does not apply to games on Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights. As in the past, Sunday afternoon games can still be moved between 1:00 and 4:05 or 4:15 p.m. ET.

Flexible Scheduling 101

  • Begins Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 (Week 11).
  • In effect Weeks 10-15 and 17.
  • Only Sunday afternoon games in Weeks 10-15 and 17 are subject to being moved into the Sunday night window.
  • No impact on Thursday, Saturday or Monday night games.
  • The NFL will decide (after consultation with CBS, FOX and NBC) and announce on 12 days notice the game being moved to 8:20 p.m. ET and may also announce games moving to 4:15 p.m. ET.
  • Week 17 start time changes could be decided on six days notice to ensure a game with playoff implications.
  • Fans and ticket holders must be aware that NFL games in flex weeks are subject to change 12 days in advance (six days in Week 17) and should plan accordingly.
  • NFL schedules all games.
  • CBS and FOX each get to protect a total of five games in the seven weeks of flexible scheduling but not more than one game in any week.
  • Teams will be informed as soon as they are no longer under consideration or eligible for a move to Sunday night.