Giants-Commanders flexed to Sunday Night Football in Week 15
The NFL has flexed its television muscles again and is moving the New York Giants-Washington Commanders rematch to Sunday Night Football in Week 15.
The NFC East matchup will replace the New England Patriots-Las Vegas Raiders contest on December 18. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the NFL decided to make the change on Monday.
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There is no surprise that the game was moved off the prime Sunday Night Football slot. The Giants and Commanders are coming off a 20-20 tie at MetLife Stadium in Week 13.
Both teams are battling for playoff position. The Giants are 7-4-1 and sit a half-game ahead of the Commanders (7-5-1) in the NFC East. As a result of their Week 13 tie, the Giants are sixth in the NFC Wild Card race.
The Commanders are eighth and behind the Seattle Seahawks.
Several players were disappointed with Sunday's tie. Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger told reporters that there is a somewhat empty feeling after the game.
"For me, a tie feels worse than a loss right now," Bellinger said. "We fought really hard. They're a good team, they fought, too. I mean, it just sucks. The empty feeling sits in your stomach. One more play could've helped us win that game. One more inch could've helped us win. Yeah, we didn't lose, but we didn't win this game, either, and that's what we all are upset about."
Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen expressed a similar sentiment. He added that the Week 15 game could possibly define their season and he wanted fans to be in attendance.
"I mean, look, I'm going to need the fans of the Commanders to really show out the next game," Allen said via the Commanders official website. "I'm going to provide as many free tickets as I can, we need everybody there. This game could be the season. So, we need full support; we need that stadium rocking."
The Giants have another pivotal test against the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. The Commanders will have ample time to prepare for the rematch as they are on a bye week.
Paste BN Sports producer Jaylon Thompson contributed to this report.