We told you on Christmas Eve that the Cowboys-Giants was moved to Sunday Night Football in Week 17, and three other games (Ravens-Bengals, Steelers-Browns, and Falcons-Bucs) were moved to 4:15 p.m. ET.
That left a few game times still undecided pending the results of the primetime games this week. We know a little more.
Bears-Vikings will remain at 1:00 p.m. ET. It has no playoff implications following Chicago’s loss against the Packers.
The time for Saints-Panthers will be determined by the result of Monday night’s game. If the Saints win and clinch the NFC South over Atlanta, then Saints-Panthers will stay at 1:00 p.m. ET.
If the Falcons win, then Saints-Panthers will be moved to 4:15 p.m. ET.
The reasoning is simple. The NFL doesn’t want the NFC South decided before the Falcons play. Like the AFC North, it makes sense to have both teams play at the same time.
The Falcons could still have something to play for even if they lose Monday night. They could still have a shot at the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs should Detroit lose next week in Green Bay.
If the Lions win in Green Bay, there’s a very good chance Atlanta will have to make a return trip to New Orleans in a couple of weeks.