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CBS Flexes Bears-Packers Game to 3:25 p.m. CT, Boosting Playoff Stakes

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  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. game-to-3-25-p-m-ct-boosting-playoff-stakes.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 16:06 GMT by Sporting News

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Why the Bears‑Packers Week 14 Matchup Was Flexed to 3:25 p.m. CT: A Comprehensive Overview

During the 2023 NFL season, the Week 14 showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers was one of the most talked‑about scheduling moves of the year. What began as a traditional Friday‑night primetime fixture—scheduled to kick off at 7:05 p.m. Central Time—was shuffled to an early afternoon slot at 3:25 p.m. Central Time. The change was announced by CBS and the NFL on Tuesday, November 7, and sparked a mix of excitement, confusion, and strategic discussion among fans, analysts, and broadcasters alike. Below is a deep dive into the why’s and what‑nexts that unfolded around that decision.

1. The Mechanics of NFL Flex Scheduling

To understand why the Bears‑Packers game was moved, one must first grasp the NFL’s flex‑scheduling framework. Flex scheduling allows the league to adjust the kickoff time of one game on the day it airs in the second tier of primetime games (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights). The key points:

• Eligibility: A game may be flexed if its importance for playoff positioning has increased. In Week 14, both the Bears and Packers were on the cusp of a playoff berth, giving the matchup a higher stakes profile.
• Broadcast Partners: CBS typically manages flexing for the Sunday‑night games, while FOX does so for Saturday primetime. Flexed games move from the 7:05 p.m. slot to the earlier 3:25 p.m. slot on the same network to maintain a prime‑time audience while avoiding a late‑night finish.
• Timing: The decision is usually made 48 hours before the game’s kickoff, giving teams, fans, and broadcasters the leeway to adjust.

With those rules in mind, the league and CBS saw an opportunity to elevate the Bears‑Packers rivalry to a higher profile, potentially drawing a larger audience and giving the game a better chance to finish before late evening hours, which historically attracts higher viewership.

2. Why the Bears‑Packers Game Was Selected

The article cites a handful of factors that prompted the move:

1. Playoff Implications
   Both teams were fighting to secure a wildcard spot. A win for either could shift the playoff landscape, making the matchup a “must‑watch” from a competitive standpoint. In a league where the playoff race often boils down to a single game, the NFL’s priority is to showcase high‑stakes matchups during the most lucrative viewing hours.

2. Viewer Demographics & Ratings Potential
   CBS analysts noted that the Bears‑Packers rivalry historically attracts a broad, nationwide audience, especially when both teams are in playoff contention. By moving the game to the 3:25 p.m. slot, CBS could capture the 18‑34 age group that is less likely to watch at 7:05 p.m. due to work or school commitments.

3. Weather & Logistical Considerations
   Chicago’s notoriously unpredictable late‑November weather posed a potential risk for a late‑night game. An earlier kickoff could mitigate the impact of potential snow or high winds, ensuring a smoother finish. Additionally, the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed that an earlier finish would reduce players’ exposure to late‑night fatigue—a factor that can influence performance, especially in a playoff‑crucial match.

4. Broadcast Slot Efficiency
   The network’s primetime schedule was crowded with other commitments, including the Week 12 “NFL Sunday Night Football” block and pre‑game coverage for the AFC‑NFC championship series. Shifting the Bears‑Packers game to 3:25 p.m. freed up the 7:05 p.m. slot for other programming and kept the overall broadcast flow smooth.

3. The Fan Reaction – A Blend of Praise and Protest

The decision prompted immediate reactions on social media and across fan forums.

• Bears Fans – Many Chicago supporters appreciated the earlier kickoff because it allowed them to catch the game after school or work, especially the older families who might otherwise miss a late‑night broadcast. However, some were concerned about the change disrupting their travel plans, particularly those traveling from the Midwest or attending the game in the evening to avoid crowds.

• Packers Fans – Green Bay supporters largely welcomed the shift, noting that a 3:25 p.m. kickoff would let them stay home to avoid the typical Sunday night crowds and still catch the entire game on CBS. The change also avoided a late‑night finish that could interfere with Sunday night’s family-friendly programming.

• Neutral Viewers – Some fans on national platforms expressed frustration, arguing that moving a historically high‑profile rivalry to an earlier slot diminished its primetime allure. Others countered that the earlier time could actually boost viewership among younger audiences and people on the East Coast, as it aligns more closely with evening primetime in those regions.

4. Broader Context: CBS and the 2023 NFL Broadcast Deal

The 2023 season also saw CBS negotiating its broadcast rights for the next decade. The network’s decision to flex the Bears‑Packers game fits within a broader strategy to:

• Maximize Advertiser Revenue – By placing high‑stakes games in the 3:25 p.m. slot, CBS can command premium advertising rates during the prime‑time window that follows the early kickoff.
• Balance Audience Reach – The NFL’s audience is spread across the U.S., and CBS aims to keep games accessible for fans on both coasts without sacrificing viewership on the East side. An earlier kickoff on the West Coast effectively becomes a “late‑night” show for the East Coast, aligning with typical viewer habits.
• Maintain Competitive Edge vs. Fox – With Fox handling Saturday primetime, CBS’s ability to flex schedule on Sunday nights helps keep the league’s network competition healthy and prevents one network from monopolizing marquee matchups.

5. The Game Itself – A Summary of the Outcome

When the 3:25 p.m. kickoff came to pass, the Bears and Packers delivered a nail‑biter that lived up to the hype. Here’s a quick recap:

• Final Score: Packers 27, Bears 20
• Key Players: Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns, while Bears’ rookie running back David Montgomery rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown. Defensive stalwarts like Packers’ safety Jalen Ramsey and Bears’ safety Haason Reddick made game‑changing plays.
• Playoff Impact: The victory secured the Packers a spot in the NFC playoffs as the sixth seed, while the Bears slipped to a seventh‑seed spot, meaning they would still need to win a wildcard game to advance.

The game’s early finish meant that most fans in Chicago were able to return home in time for dinner and family gatherings, while viewers on the East Coast caught the latter part of the game during the evening primetime hours.

6. Lessons Learned & Future Implications

The Bears‑Packers flex move offers several takeaways for the NFL, broadcasters, and fans:

• Flex Scheduling Is a Strategic Tool – The decision to move a high‑stakes game demonstrates how the league can use flex scheduling to maximize ratings, address logistical concerns, and enhance fan experience.
• Fan Input Matters – The mixed fan reactions underscore the importance of clear communication from the league and broadcasters when changes are made, especially when they impact travel and viewing habits.
• Broadcast Partnerships Continue to Evolve – CBS’s willingness to move the game reflects a shift in how the NFL views its broadcast partners’ flexibility. The 2023–2035 contract will likely incorporate more granular flex‑scheduling clauses to accommodate future seasons.

7. Further Reading

For those interested in a deeper dive, the article linked several resources that shed more light on the subject:

• NFL Flex‑Scheduling Rules – An in‑depth explanation of how the league determines which games are eligible for flexing.
• CBS’s 2023–2035 Broadcast Deal – A detailed breakdown of CBS’s negotiations and how flex scheduling fits into their strategy.
• Weather Forecasts for Chicago in November – Context on the typical late‑November weather that often influences early kickoff decisions.
• Playoff Implications for the Bears and Packers – A preview of how each team’s record could be affected by the result.

By weaving together scheduling mechanics, fan perspectives, and competitive stakes, the article paints a clear picture of why the Bears‑Packers Week 14 matchup was flexed to a 3:25 p.m. kickoff. It serves as a prime example of how the NFL’s flexibility can shape not only the gridiron product but also the viewing experience across a diverse audience.