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The NFL loves L.A., flexes the Chargers, Rams into prime-time games in December

Frank Schwab
NFL writer
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff greets Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, after a game earlier this season. (AP)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff greets Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, after a game earlier this season. (AP)

Thank goodness for NFL flex scheduling.

The way the NFL schedule was presented in April, the San Francisco 49ers were set to play the Seattle Seahawks on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 13, and in Week 14 we were going to get the Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders on Sunday night. Those matchups look terrible now that about half the season has played out.

The NFL didn’t wait to ship those games out of prime time. On Wednesday they announced those games have been flexed out.

In their place, both Los Angeles teams will get some more prime-time exposure.

Chargers, Rams get extra prime-time dates

In Week 13, the Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers game will be on NBC in prime time. 49ers-Seahawks will end up at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Then in Week 14, the Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears game between a pair of teams currently in first place will be sent to Sunday night. The Steelers-Raiders move to 4:25 p.m. ET.

This is great for all football fans. The red-hot Steelers still get on prime time. The surprising Bears get a little more exposure, and they have earned that.

And the NFL’s Los Angeles story can play out in prime time.

The NFL gives extra exposure to L.A. teams

The NFL moved back to Los Angeles a few years ago, first with the Rams and then with the Chargers. The Rams are 9-1. The Chargers are 7-2. They’re both among the most exciting teams in the NFL too, with explosive offenses and star quarterbacks in Jared Goff and Philip Rivers.

The Rams seem to be getting a foothold in L.A., and while the Chargers aren’t getting anywhere close to the Rams’ buzz, at least they’re playing well. That gives them a chance to attract some attention, however unlikely that seems after their ill-advised move from San Diego.

The NFL wants to market its teams in the huge Los Angeles market, and that’s understandable. The Rams and Chargers are cooperating by being among the NFL’s best teams.

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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