The Week 16 game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, initially slated for Thursday, December 19, has been replaced by a matchup featuring the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. The league made this announcement on Friday.

This change comes as the Browns and Bengals, with records of 3-8 and 4-7 respectively, appear less likely to impact the postseason. In contrast, the Broncos, sitting at 6-5, and the Chargers, boasting a 7-3 record, are in the midst of tight playoff races, giving their contest more significant postseason implications.

NFL owners approved the flex scheduling for Thursday night games back in May of 2023, though the league chose not to utilize it last season. The deadline to move the Week 16 Thursday night game was on Friday, and the NFL seized the opportunity to enhance the matchup for fans and viewers.

The first contest between the Chargers and Broncos this season took place in Week 6, with the Chargers securing a 23-16 victory in Denver. The Brown and Bengals, now rescheduled to play on Sunday, December 22, at 1:00 p.m. on Fox, met earlier in Week 7 where the Bengals emerged victorious with a 21-14 win on the road.