NFL Announces 3 Saturday Games, Commanders vs. Falcons SNF Flex for Week 17 Schedule

As the 2024 regular season nears its end, the NFL has made a few schedule changes that should excite fans.

The league announced on Tuesday that it flexed a game between the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons to Sunday Night Football in Week 17.

The NFL also unveiled a trio of Saturday games for that week, with the Los Angeles Chargers facing the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos taking on the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals meeting the Los Angeles Rams:

At 9-5, the Commanders are one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season. Washington is holding the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC with three games left in the year.

The Commanders' strong season can largely be attributed to the play of first-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is the clear frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The 2024 No. 2 pick has completed 70.5 percent of his passes this season for 3,045 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions while also adding 656 rushing yards and six more scores.

The Falcons, on the other hand, have performed well below expectations on their way to a 7-7 record. Atlanta snapped a four-game losing streak with Monday night's 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was expected to elevate the Falcons to title contention, has thrown for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, the most in his 13-year career. Still, Atlanta is fighting for a playoff spot, so its meeting against Washington in Week 17 could have significant ramifications in the postseason race.

The rest of the Week 17 slate is sure to provide some excitement for fans as other teams make a push for the playoffs while the regular season winds down.