The National Football League has made an exciting move for the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 17 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, shifting the game from its original noon CST timeslot to 3:25 CST. This flex brings the game to the spotlight as America’s Game of the Week on Fox, with the legendary duo of Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady set to call the action.

This scheduling change is particularly significant as it comes just one week after the NFL declined to move the Vikings-Packers game to Sunday Night Football. Instead, the league chose to prioritize the Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders matchup for that prime time slot. This decision sparked some speculation about the role Fox played in protecting the afternoon slot for this exciting divisional clash, given that CBS was the network broadcasting the first edition of the border battle earlier this season.

This marks the second time this season that the Vikings have been flexed into a later timeslot. The first instance came back in Week 9, when the Vikings’ game against the Indianapolis Colts was moved to Sunday Night Football, where they went on to win 21-13. The flex schedule shows the growing importance of this Vikings team, with the league recognizing their playoff potential and high stakes games.

For the third consecutive season, the Vikings will face the Packers in Week 17, and this year’s meeting carries even more weight. In 2022, the Vikings were blown out 41-17 at Lambeau Field, and in 2023, they suffered a 33-10 defeat at U.S. Bank Stadium. However, this year’s game is set to be far more consequential, as the Vikings are fighting for the NFC North title. A victory over the Packers is essential for Minnesota to keep their hopes alive for the division crown. Should they come through, Week 18 will see them face the Detroit Lions, likely in a high-stakes matchup that could decide both the NFC North champion and the coveted number one seed in the NFC.

This Week 17 showdown is shaping up to be one of the most crucial games of the season, with massive implications for the Vikings’ postseason aspirations. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as the Vikings look to reclaim their dominance over their NFC North rivals and keep their Super Bowl hopes intact. The NFL’s decision to move this game to the later timeslot emphasizes just how high the stakes are, making it a must-watch for fans across the country.