2015 NFL schedule release: League reveals complete slate of 256 games

That’s because the league employs something called flex scheduling for Sunday night games. Prior to last season, games in Weeks 10 through 15 and in Week 17 could be flexed from the afternoon on Sunday to the primetime slot, while the team previously in that spot would move to the afternoon. The idea is to see which teams are doing well and which matchups gain more significance as the season progresses.

Last season, the NFL introduced new rules to the scheduling that allowed the league to flex games as early as Week 5. This is great for NBC and the NFL as allows them to maximize viewership and therefore profits in the primetime slot, but it’s not exactly great for CBS and FOX, the stations which host the afternoon games. To make it easier on those stations, the league is only permitted to flex two games between Week 5 and Week 10.

The NFL has released the full schedule for the upcoming 2015 NFL season, which means we know the primetime matchups for Sunday Night Football. Typically some of the best matchups on the schedule (especially with flex scheduling), Sunday Night Football might not be as well-known a phrase as Monday Night Football, but this year’s schedule confirms there’s plenty of note for your Sunday nights.

Here’s the complete schedule for the season. As usual, flex scheduling rules will apply, so every game after Week 4 is tentative. All games start at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBC.

Here is a complete look at the 2015 NFL schedule.

And a handy mobile version from Football Perspective.