NFL's latest TNF flex scheduling change leaves fans enraged - "F**k this sh*t"

It is official: Flex scheduling is coming to NFL on Thursday nights.

On Monday, franchise owners approved the long-discussed idea by a vote of 24-8. The most notable opposition came from the New York Giants, whose owner John Mara called it "abusive" to the fans. However, the plan was passed after four teams changed their votes. New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders switched to YES from NO, while Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos switched from abstaining.

The flex scheduling is supposed to cover only Weeks 13-17 games, and teams will be notified 28 days in advance if any change occurs.

However, the NFL fans are not happy with it. They have taken to Reddit to voice their anger at the announcement, despite the seeming concessions.

Comment by u/sktgamerdudejr from discussion [Rapoport] The NFL has approved flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football with teams getting 28 days notice, source said. It’s in effect from weeks 13-17. in nfl

Comment by u/VietBongArmy from discussion [Rapoport] The NFL has approved flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football with teams getting 28 days notice, source said. It’s in effect from weeks 13-17. in nfl

Comment by u/quiet_quitting from discussion [Rapoport] The NFL has approved flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football with teams getting 28 days notice, source said. It’s in effect from weeks 13-17. in nfl

Comment by u/daswassup13 from discussion [Rapoport] The NFL has approved flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football with teams getting 28 days notice, source said. It’s in effect from weeks 13-17. in nfl

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How will NFL's TNF Flex Scheduling affect 2023 season?

The NFL's Thursday flex scheduling has its upside and downside. The upside is that it will allow the league to showcase the most relevant games at a time when the playoff pictures are becoming clearer.

For example, the Week 14 TNF game pits the New England Patriots against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, with neither team (at least at first glance) having a roster good enough to make the playoffs, this game could be shifted to Sunday afternoon on CBS. In its place, something like the Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills could be scheduled.

The downside, however, is that it could ruin weekend plans for fans who have already booked trips in advance. As one Redditor explained:

A group of friends looks at the schedule when it’s announced. They see their team is playing Vegas on a Sunday everyone can travel to. They all decide to plan a weekend trip because Vegas is fun and they get to see their team. They book their flights, hotels, and take off that Monday.

Everything’s good to go and then the NFL decides to flex your game into Thursday. Now you have to rebook all your plans and put in a new time off request for Thursday and Friday instead of just the Monday which your boss might deny because 4 weeks isn’t as much time notice as 4 months. Half the friend group has to cancel because they can’t get off work and are out all the airline and hotel cancelation fees.

Comment by u/mlorusso4 from discussion [Rapoport] The NFL has approved flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football with teams getting 28 days notice, source said. It’s in effect from weeks 13-17. in nfl

Even players, both current and former, have been critical of the flex scheduling. Some, like JJ Watt, have said that it compromises players' health by forcing them to return to the field on only four days' rest, which could potentially lead to career-changing injuries.