Before 2010, the NFL had adopted a habit of unveiling the Week One prime-time games and the three Thanksgiving games during the league meetings in March. Beginning in 2010, the NFL abruptly scuttled the practice.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that a return of the practice is unlikely in 2012.
It makes sense, especially since the recent decision of Peyton Manning to join the Broncos and the trade of former Broncos starter Tim Tebow to the Jets could cause the league to reshuffle the deck.
In Week One, the Giants will host the regular-season opener on Wednesday, September 5. The game will be televised by NBC, which will put a bow on the first Sunday of the regular season with another night game. Week One ends with a Monday night doubleheader on ESPN.
On Thanksgiving, the Lions will host the Texans or the Colts. The Cowboys will welcome an NFC team; this year, the visitor will come from among the Redskins, Giants, Eagles, Buccaneers, Saints, and Bears. No specific team has dibs on the third game Thanksgiving game, which will be televised for the first time on NBC.
The full schedule will be released prior to the draft.