Do we get flexed to prime time next week?

[Mage]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/12/20/no-decision-yet-on-week-17-sunday-night-football-game/

Currently the SNF game is Chargers/Rams, which won't stick.  

No matter the result of tomorrows game, Bucs/Panthers will have huge implications.  BUT, and I know this is unlikely but you never know... if the Bucs lose to the Cardinals, then they face an elimination game vs the Panthers.  They are done if they lose.  And no way Brady plays a meaningless game in Week 18.  And who knows what his plans are?  It isn't a stretch to think that it could very well be his final NFL game ever and the NFL knows this.  So I think if the Bucs lose tomorrow this make the game a lock to be flexed to SNF.  

A Sunday Night Panthers game in late December with the division hanging in the balance would make me a very happy man. 

[hepcat]

I doubt it because the Bucs would play in prime time two weeks in a row and that’s a lot of screen time for the same team with a small fanbase and a losing record, Brady or not. 

[1of10Charnatives]

Your reasoning checks out. Only question is are there any other juicy options out there on the schedule?

[Brooklyn 3.0]

No. Chi/Det, Mia/NE, NO/Philly, Pitt/Bal, MN/GB all would get more eyes than a Tom Brady game.

[frankw]

[Mage]

3 minutes ago, 1of10Charnatives said:

Your reasoning checks out. Only question is are there any other juicy options out there on the schedule?

Packers/Vikings.  Packers are still in contention if they win tomorrow vs Dolphins, but they still need help.  Vikings still have a chance at the #1 seed, so there's that.

Steelers/Ravens.  Great rivalry and Steelers are still in playoff contention, also could be the game Lamar Jackson finally returns.  

Dolphins/Patriots.  This game is more important if the Dolphins lose tomorrow, less important if they win.  If the Dolphins lose, then a playoff spot could be on the line between the two teams.  

I think if the Bucs lose tomorrow, then Panthers/Bucs is a lock for the reasoning in the the OP - potentially Brady's last game.  But if they win then it will be interesting to see the direction the NFL goes.

[Mage]

3 minutes ago, Brooklyn 3.0 said:

No. Chi/Det, Mia/NE, NO/Philly, Pitt/Bal, MN/GB all would get more eyes than a Tom Brady game.

What?  There is no way and no reason for the NFL to flex Lions/Bears to prime time.  

[Brooklyn 3.0]

Just now, Mage said:

What?  There is no way and no reason for the NFL to flex Lions/Bears to prime time.  

Classic rivalry, much bigger audience, up and coming QB, one very popular team ... versus an aging Brady.

[BIGH2001]

Just now, Brooklyn 3.0 said:

Classic rivalry, much bigger audience, up and coming QB, one very popular team ... versus an aging Brady.

You think a 3-12 team is getting flexed? Lol

[PNW_PantherMan]

I'd love to see it, but I doubt it.  They hardly show the Panthers on NFL Red Zone even if they are in the red zone.

[Brooklyn 3.0]

10 hours ago, BIGH2001 said:

You think a 3-12 team is getting flexed? Lol

You think the Panthers are going to be on Sunday Night Football? Lol

[Mage]

2 minutes ago, Brooklyn 3.0 said:

You think the Panthers are going to be on Sunday Night Football? Lol

Are you intentionally ignoring the obvious facts of the situation?  Panthers/Bucs is clearly a more important game than Bears/Lions.  Not sure what your deal is.

[Brooklyn 3.0]

Just now, Mage said:

Are you intentionally ignoring the obvious facts of the situation?  Panthers/Bucs is clearly a more important game than Bears/Lions.  Not sure what your deal is.

I don't have a "deal". If anything, the Saints/Panthers game would be the "one to move". I highly doubt the Bucs are losing to Arizona so it will come down to us beating NO to get in.

[Mage]

3 minutes ago, Brooklyn 3.0 said:

I don't have a "deal". If anything, the Saints/Panthers game would be the "one to move". I highly doubt the Bucs are losing to Arizona so it will come down to us beating NO to get in.

You suggested the Saints/Philly or Lions/Chicago on SNF over our game, which makes no sense.  That is what I mean by saying I don't know what your deal is, because neither of those games make any kind of sense to put on SNF above us.  Hurts might not even play next week and the Saints are 3rd in the division and there is no scenario where they leapfrog to #1 next week because the Bucs/Panthers play each other.  

Its fine if you don't think our game is going on SNF.  But they are absolutely in the discussion for that spot.  DET/CHI and NO/Philly is not.