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The NFL has announced Week 15 and 16 flex scheduling times, and the San Francisco 49ers are in the mix. The 49ers will host the San Diego Chargers on Saturday, August 20, and the game is officially set for 5:25 p.m. PT. It had previously been listed as a 1:30 p.m. on CBS, but it will now be in prime time. This would seem to indicate a national broadcast.
This game has the potential to have huge playoff implications for both teams, but it is entirely possible only one of these teams will be in the hunt for something. The Chargers rallied to stun the Baltimore Ravens 34-33, and improved to 8-4 on the season. The Chargers currently hold the No. 5 spot in the AFC, a half game up on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football tonight. A win would move the Chiefs into a tie with the Chargers, while a loss would drop the Chiefs into a tie with four other teams. The AFC is just a little wild.
On the other hand, the 49ers lost an ugly one to the Seattle Seahawks, dropping to 7-5. The 49ers are a game back of the Seahawks, Lions and Cowboys for the final two wild card spots. The 49ers could hang around the playoff chase, but they actually need to get their offense back on track.
Whatever does happen, 49ers-Chargers will apparently be nationally televised. Ideally the team has figured out this offensive mess, but there is certainly a chance we see another embarrassing offensive effort. We'll see what the next few weeks bring.