Patriots’ 2023 schedule could be impacted by new league ruling

The Patriots are scheduled to play on Thursday Night Football this year, visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. However, it’s now possible that game doesn’t happen as scheduled.

At the league meetings in Minnesota on Monday, NFL Owners passed Resolution JC-6, which enables the flexing of Thursday Night Football games for the 2023 season – with the option to make it a permanent change after the season. The league will now be able to swap matchups in and out of late-season Thursday Night games. The resolution passed 24-8, with the Patriots among the teams voting in favor of it.

• Granted, the ability to flex Thursday Night games is limited. The league can only flex from Weeks 13-17 (there is no Thursday Night Football in Week 18), and the flex decisions have to come with at least 28 days’ notice. In addition, individual teams can only be flexed into Thursday Night Football once a year, and the league can only flex the TNF matchup twice over the course of the season.

  That puts the Patriots-Steelers matchup on the table as a possible flex. If that game was to get flexed, the league would have to decide by Nov. 9. Still, if you’re somebody who is planning on buying tickets to this game and making a trip out of it, this is something to keep in mind.

  It’s also possible that the Patriots could get flexed into Thursday Night Football if they remain competitive down the stretch. Their games in the flex window are home against the Chargers and Chiefs, and on the road against the Broncos and Bills. For the Patriots’ full schedule, click here.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.