The NFL has announced its first-ever Monday Night Football flex by bumping the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week-15 matchup against the New England Patriots out of ESPN’s coverage on December 18.
As first reported by ESPN, the NFL announced on Thursday that the Chiefs-Patriots game is getting moved to make room for the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks at primetime (8:15 p.m. ET).
The flex means Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are being replaced by Jalen Hurts and Kelce’s brother Jason for the coveted TV slot. The Chiefs’ meeting with the Patriots will now be played on Sunday, December 17 at 1 p.m. ET and televised on Fox. That is despite Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift dominating the NFL over recent weeks.
This will be the Eagles’ sixth primetime game of the season – and the second of three on the spin – while the Seahawks will be playing their third primetime game in four weeks – and their fourth of the season.
The game will also feature two leading candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year: Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
The Eagles-Seahawks game will replace the Chiefs-Patriots meeting on Monday Night Football
ESPN’s flex sees Travis Kelce (L) and the Chiefs replaced by brother Jason (R) and the Eagles
This is the first year in which the NFL introduced the possibility to flex Monday Night Football games between weeks 12 and 17. The deadline for changes made on Monday night games is 12 days before the game day.
The Eagles have put themselves on top of the NFL rankings with a 10-1 record as the NFC East leaders. Meanwhile, the Chiefs hold an 8-3 record on top of the AFC West.
The Eagles beat the defending Super Bowl Champions 21-17 on November 20.
The game became a showcase for both quarterbacks as Mahomes and Hurts threw for 177 and 150 yards, respectively. Hurts was efficient, completing 14 of 22 passes. However, Mahomes 24-for-43 effort lead to two touchdowns to Hurts’ zero.
As for the Kelces, Travis made seven catches for 44 yards and a touchdown while Jason was praised after showcasing his speed and strength by blocking Justin Reid.
