With the new contract between the television networks and the National Football League, a new concept was introduced — the flex schedule. This allows the league and networks to switch games and times to broadcast specific games based on maximizing both revenue (advertising sales, etc.) and viewership. It is designed to bring you marquee matchups for your television and football enjoyment.
The one of the main benefactors of this new concept has been the Dallas Cowboys.
Take a look at what has transpired over the past week or two — the noon game between the Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts was moved to the second slot of games. This gives all of the west coast fans a chance to see a prime game at 1PM local time instead of 10 o’clock in the morning.
And more recently, not only has the league moved the NFC East matchup of the Cowboys/Giants to a 3:15 CT start, but they also moved the subsequent game — Saints at Cowboys — to the Sunday Night prime time game slot replacing the Bills/Jets game.
The Cowboys already have a Saturday night game at Atlanta and a 4PM CT game on Christmas Day against the Eagles.
The league and networks obviously want the Dallas Cowboys to be a main part of the season’s second-half lineup and, because of continued success on the field, they appear to be getting what they want.