The NFL Network may have lost its schedule-release show, but it's gaining something even better this season: a late-season Saturday doubleheader that fans won't want to miss.
In Week 16, landing right on the day after Christmas, NFL Network will bring the action with two games—one kicking off at 4:30 p.m. ET and another at 8:00 p.m. ET. That's prime holiday football, and the league is keeping its options wide open.
Four potential matchups are in the running for those two slots: the Buccaneers facing the Falcons, the Bengals taking on the Colts, the Commanders battling the Vikings, and the Panthers squaring off against the Steelers. Each brings its own storylines, from divisional rivalries to playoff implications.
The final call on which games slide from Sunday to Saturday won't be made until later in the season, giving the league flexibility to choose the most compelling matchups based on standings and momentum. It's a smart move that keeps the stakes high.
Combine this Saturday doubleheader with a Thursday night game and three Christmas Eve contests, and Week 16 is shaping up to be a gridiron feast. In fact, the week will feature 10 total windows—one more than Thanksgiving week. That leaves just eight games to be played during the Saturday afternoon windows, making every snap count.
For fans, that means more football to enjoy over the holidays. For players, it's a chance to shine on a national stage. And for your game-day wardrobe? Time to gear up for a full week of action.
