The Buffalo Bills’ upcoming game against the New England Patriots has been rescheduled from its original 1 p.m. slot to a more prominent 4:25 p.m. time on CBS. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly given the contrasting records of the two teams; the Bills boast a strong 11-3 record, while the Patriots are struggling at 3-11.
The rationale behind this scheduling change is unclear, especially as it will mark the Bills’ fifth consecutive game outside of the 1 p.m. slot, with four of those now set to kick off at 4:25 p.m. This trend could cause inconvenience for fans who have arranged their travel plans based on the earlier start time.
Typically, the NFL flexes games to highlight more competitive matchups that were not prioritized when the original schedule was released. However, in this case, the decision seems puzzling considering the Bills’ dominant form and the relatively low stakes of this matchup for the Patriots. The game that the Bills are replacing, likely the Dolphins vs. 49ers matchup, still has playoff implications for both Miami and San Francisco, further calling into question the decision to prioritize the Bills-Patriots contest.
As we prepare for this game, it’s important to focus on the compelling narrative surrounding the Bills, who are looking to secure a playoff spot and establish momentum heading into the postseason. Fans will undoubtedly be energized to see their team compete in the late window, regardless of the circumstances that led to this scheduling decision.
This could also provide a chance for players to showcase their skills on a larger stage, acknowledging the growing enthusiasm around the Bills as they continue their playoff push.