NFL expanding Thursday night schedule

[Auggie]

2-3-12 / espn.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NFL is increasing the number of Thursday night games so more of its teams can play in prime time.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said that there will be Thursday night games on the NFL Network from the second to the 15th week of the season, giving all of the league's teams a chance to appear in prime time on some outlet.

Those games will be in addition to the usual Sunday night and Monday night games, which tend to feature teams coming off good seasons.

"We think it's great for the fans, for the teams -- and great for the network," Goodell said.

MORE: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7537208/nfl-adding-more-thursday-games-schedule-commissioner-roger-goodell-says

First, what a blatant attempt to prop up support for the NFL Channel.

Second, the excuse -- so more teams can play in prime time -- is ridiculously transparent. The NFL does nothing unless they can make a buck from it. Do they really think we're that stupid?

Third, and most importantly, this is really unhealthy for players unless their teams get a bye the previous weekend. I expect the player's union, and would hope a few owners, make a huge point of this. Do not do this without working in the bye.

[caraher]

1. The bye is critical

I don't really care if they decide to prop up NFL network, but I do care if they're doing it by making teams play Sunday then the following Thursday. It's bad for the players and it's bad for the fans.

[tishaLA]

2. Thursday Games are Awful IMO

Not enough time to game plan, not enough rest/recovery for the players--and it leads to shitty games. If they did it even on Friday it wouldn't be as bad, but the ratings would be lower.

[Auggie]

3. If both teams were coming off byes it would work