Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers first-ever “TNF” flex

For the first time in NFL history, a Sunday afternoon game was postponed Football on Thursday evenings.

The Denver Broncos’ Week 16 road game against the Los Angeles Chargers has been postponed from Sunday, Dec. 22 to Thursday, Dec. 19, the NFL announced Friday. The original TNF matchup featured the Cincinnati Bengals hosting the Cleveland Browns. This game was moved to an afternoon slot on December 22nd.

The Broncos played on beforehand TNF in Week 7, when they went on the road and beat the New Orleans Saints 33-10. Denver should also continue playing Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13.

NFL rules prevent a team from being given two TNF Away games when the original schedule is released in the spring, but in-season flexibilities are permitted. After playing a short week in New Orleans earlier this season, the Broncos will play a short week later in Los Angeles this year.

It may not be ideal for Denver from a competitive standpoint, but it’s a sign that the league sees the Broncos as an entertaining team that deserves to be in the national spotlight. That’s quite a change from previous seasons.

Football on Thursday evenings can be streamed on Prime Video.