NFL shifts four games between Fox and CBS in dual flex move

The National Football League announced two simultaneous flex schedule adjustments on Monday, altering the broadcast networks for four games in the upcoming regular season. These changes affect matchups scheduled for Week 9 and Week 11, with one kickoff time also shifting. The league used its scheduling flexibility to optimize television lineups for the coming month.

In Week 9, which begins on November 8, the Las Vegas Raiders visiting the San Francisco 49ers will now air on Fox at 4:25 p.m. ET. This game was previously scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS. The move places the contest in a prime viewing window for Fox, which holds the national doubleheader that week. As a result, Fox will feature three games at 4:25 p.m. ET, including the Green Bay Packers against the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals facing the Seattle Seahawks.

The Houston Texans visiting the Los Angeles Chargers will remain the sole CBS broadcast in the late afternoon window. That game keeps its original 4:05 p.m. ET start time. A second change in Week 9 involves the Detroit Lions hosting the Miami Dolphins. This matchup will move from CBS to Fox, remaining at its 1 p.m. ET start time. The adjustment balances the early afternoon slate across the two major networks for that Sunday.

In Week 11 on November 22, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traveling to Detroit will switch from CBS to Fox. The kickoff time for that game stays at 1 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills hosting the Miami Dolphins will move from Fox to CBS. That game also starts at 1 p.m. ET. The departure of the Bills from Fox is feasible because the network already broadcast a Bills game earlier in the season, ensuring it does not lose its only opportunity to feature quarterback Josh Allen for the year.

The league is also evaluating the Sunday night game in Week 9, currently featuring the Buccaneers against the Chicago Bears. Tampa Bay holds a 2-5 record, though it has won two of its last three games. The Bears have only this one Sunday night slot on their schedule. The NFL must make a final decision on the kickoff time by the end of the day on Tuesday, October 27.