A triple-header of NFL games will take place on Saturday during Week 15, with NFL action coming thick and fast through the holiday season.
The NFL traditionally owns Sundays. But, in Week 15, the NFL is making the most of a rule that allows them to play games on a Saturday in December.
Why Are There Saturday Games in Week 15?
The NFL announced in November that three games were being moved to be played on the Saturday of Week 15. There are a couple of reasons why the NFL has done this, but the main reason is that the regular college football season is over.
During the college football and high school regular season, the NFL is usually not allowed to broadcast games on a Friday or a Saturday due to the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. The aim is for high school and college football to be able to maximize their exposure, with the professional game not impacting their potential audience.
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College football is entering bowl season and the playoffs, and with the college football and high school regular seasons mostly complete, the NFL can be more flexible with its schedule.
A Saturday during December is usually the first chance the NFL has to exercise this, and they usually aim to schedule games on a Saturday to enhance their viewership numbers.
With playoff involvements on the line and bye weeks complete, the NFL can select these important games with implications attached to them to be played as standalone games, rather than those games getting lost during the pack of games on the Sunday slate.
That means in Week 15, the weekend will be dominated by NFL football with wall-to-wall coverage over Saturday and Sunday.
Which Games Are on Saturday?
The three games selected by the NFL to be played on Saturday, Dec. 16 are:
- Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals (1 p.m. ET)
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts (4:30 p.m.)
- Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions (8:15 p.m.)
All three games will be live on NFL Network.
While the games may not jump out as the most exciting matchups initially, the NFL offers a slate of games with lots at stake.
Unfortunately, the Vikings, Bengals, Steelers, and Colts will all be playing with a backup quarterback after injuries to their starters; yet, all four are fighting for playoff places.
The late game on Saturday is potentially the most exciting and sees Denver visit Detroit. The Lions are looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to the Chicago Bears, while the Broncos look to extend their good form having won six of their last seven games.
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