Week 17 will already feature several changes to the NFL schedule, with two games starting on Christmas Day and another three on Saturday, December 28. Now the league has also modified its Sunday schedule, announcing the Minnesota Vikings’ rematch with the Green Bay Packers will be played at 4:25 p.m. ET, moving the NFC North matchup from its early slot to the late afternoon window. nationally televised afternoon.
Originally, the Vikings were scheduled to host the Packers at 1 p.m. ET, and the Dallas Cowboys would visit the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:25. Now, the Cowboys-Eagles matchup has been moved earlier in the day for a 1 p.m. kickoff, making the Packers-Vikings matchup the marquee Sunday afternoon matchup.
The move makes sense as the Vikings remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, fresh off their eighth straight win to improve to 13-2 on the season. A win over the Packers, who lost to Minnesota at Lambeau Field in September, would potentially set up a divisional battle for first place in Week 18, when the Vikings are scheduled to host the Detroit Lions, who are currently atop the standings. classification. North at 13-2.
Technically, the Eagles are also still in contention for first place, but their chances took a hit on Sunday thanks to a loss to the Washington Commanders. Philadelphia may or may not be without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts when the Cowboys come to town on Sunday; Hurts exited Week 16 early with a concussion and did not return, despite apparent attempts to retake the field after his helmet fell to the ground.
The rest of the Week 17 schedule remains intact as previously announced.
