NFL teams have now finally released their schedules for the upcoming 2023 season, and along with some major broadcasting changes four franchises have been brutally snubbed.
The NFL announced earlier this year that teams will now be eligible for more than one Thursday Night Football slot per season, something that prompted a negative response from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But changes have also been made to the iconic Monday Night Football, with doubleheaders being addressed.
The 2023 season will see three Monday nights with multiple games being played at the same time, rather than matches being spread out across the evening. But while some teams will be featured heavily during prime-time game scheduling, some won't feature at all.
The Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons are all currently missing when it comes to prime-time scheduling, with the NFL clearly feeling that neither of the sides will be in for an exciting 2023 season. The Texans made a huge dent in the first-round of the NFL Draft by acquiring Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and talented edge Will Anderson Jr., but at this moment in time they'll not be playing prime-time football.
The Colts also picked up Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson fourth overall, when many assumed they'd gamble on Kentucky star Will Levis instead. But Richardson will have to be patient for his opportunity to play to the masses around the world, while Levis will get his prime-time opportunity with the Tennessee Titans.
The Cardinals were extremely underwhelming last season, with key injuries to quarterback Kyler Murray and running-back James Connor stalling their progress. The NFL clearly feels as though it could be more of the same next season, especially with wide-receiver DeAndre Hopkins still linked with a summer trade.
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The Falcons haven't made it to the postseason since 2017, when they lost to eventual winners Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional round of the Play-Offs. Their offseason business doesn't suggest that their form will rapidly improve, and have also been snubbed by the NFL.
But while Thursday nights may have caused some controversy, Monday evenings will be given a lift this season, with three different occasions seeing multiple teams will play at once. On two Monday evenings, games will be staggered by an hour, but in week 14 all games will be started simultaneously.
Week two sees the New Orleans Saints face Carolina Panthers on Monday night before the Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers an hour later. The following Monday will see the Philadelphia Eagles play Tampa Bay Buccaneers before Los Angeles Rams face Cincinnati Bengals shortly after.
But week 14 is when both the game between the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins, and the clash between Green Bay Packers and New York Giants get underway simultaneously. Scheduling is still subject to change later down the line, but for now fans will be planning their early trips for the 2023 season.
