Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

Man, it's like they just want to jinx us, lol...

from espn.com | Pat Yasinskas
If the New Orleans Saints are going to have a perfect regular season, there’s a growing chance they’ll have to wait several hours longer.

Multiple sources around the NFC South and the NFL say there is a strong chance the Saints’ final regular-season game, which is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start in Carolina, could be “flexed’’ to a Sunday night game, which will be the final game of the season for the entire NFL because there is no Monday night game that week.

Currently, the Giants and Redskins are scheduled for the Sunday night time slot. But the sources say the league is looking strongly at putting the Saints in prime time, if they remain undefeated. The league rules about flexing allow a six-day window for changing the final game. Some exploration into the logistics into a change already has been done. In other weeks, decisions about flexing a game must be made at least 12 days out.

The exception for Week 17 means the league could wait to see if the Saints make it to 15-0 before making a decision.

It’s all very logical the league would put the Saints and the Panthers into the Sunday night slot, if the Saints have a shot at a perfect season. It’s always tough to take a team from the New York market out of prime time and the game could have playoff implications for the Giants. But the Redskins, who also come from a big market, have been a disappointment and aren’t likely to contribute to a big audience.

For those interested, here is the official NFL policy on flexible scheduling:

The NFL will utilize flexible scheduling in Weeks 11-17. In those weeks, the schedule will list the games tentatively scheduled for Sunday night on NBC Sports. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game will be moved to an afternoon start time. Flexible scheduling will not be applied to games airing on Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights. A flexible scheduling move will be announced at least 12 days before the game. For Week 17, the move may be announced six days before the game. Flexible scheduling will ensure quality matchups on Sunday night in those weeks and give surprise teams a chance to play their way onto primetime.

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

That would be awesome. I'm going to that game.

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

OK, I am very confused now. When I look at the NFL schedule, I do not see a Sunday Night game listed for week 17. Also, I see Washington is at San Diego, and the New York Giants play in Minnesota. ???

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

yessireeeee ... interested Saints Fans want to know!

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

Prime time is our time.

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

There is no scheduled Sunday night game in Jan 3rd. That slot is specifically reserved for a flex game. As it is right now, I am assuming the league had planned to put the Giants-Farves game in that spot since they are the biggest TV market and possibly would still be in contention for a playoff spot, and the possibility the Farves would be playing for HFA; or move Washington-San Diego to that spot. Maybe he meant SD instead of Washington?

In any case, I wouldn't like that. It would give the Panthers added incentive to play hard and knock the Saints off on national TV. But if the Saints are 15-0, yeah, they will move that game.

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

man i cant wait. I'm going to that game

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

I don't like it; 7.5 hours colder on a harder turf.

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

if its meant to be its meant to be nomatter how you move it slice it or shake it were going 16 --0

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

The bastards! I hate the night games because that means I have to get up at 2 in the morning to watch it.

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

I salivate at the thought of the Saints playing on another National Stage.
They seem to perform well there. Added Encentive for the Saints.

TR. Every team we play has had that added encentive and has brought their A-game for many weeks.

I am of the mind that I want to see the Saints get Dat and overcome Dat from their opponents.

Have we not been espousing the merits of this wonderful team week after week?

YES! We have and will continue to do the same because the '09 Saints will find a way to win!

We have not had this in the past. Savor it now.

It will continue through Febuary! This is "Next Year!"

I Believe!

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

+10000

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

The field itself will reach it's warmest point just before sunset in the stadium. The turf may actually be a bit warmer 2 hours after sunset than at 1 PM in the afternoon. Hard to say without knowing the weather for the day.

But in any case, Charlotte averages highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's in January so it is not likely to be cold enough to affect a football game.

Re: Saints Finale Could Be Headed for Prime Time.
 

Wierd - The schedule sure isn't what Pat describes!!