When the Detroit Lions 2019 regular season schedule was announced there was once curious date omitted: their Week 16 matchup with the Denver Broncos was scheduled as to be determined.
Today, we know that matchup will take place on Sunday, December 22nd, 2019 at 4:05 PM, EST on CBS.
With the Lions record sitting at 3-5-1 and the Broncos at 3-6, it’s no surprise that the NFL elected to keep the game on the regular Sunday schedule rather than flex it to the national stage on Saturday.
Further adding to the list of reasons this game is not being flexed, is the starting quarterback situation of both teams — as a Jeff Driskel vs Brandon Allen (maybe Drew Lock) matchup isn’t made for primetime.
The Broncos have placed their starter Joe Flacco on injured reserve, while second-round pick (42nd overall) Lock is ready to start practicing again and may return from injured reserve in the next few weeks. Currently, the Broncos are starting Allen (undrafted free agent in 2016 out of Arkansas) at quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Lions are in the middle of deciding what to do with Matthew Stafford after it was discovered that he has a fractured bone in his back. Stafford’s injury isn’t expected to be longterm, just painful, but with his history of back injuries and the team all but eliminated from the NFL Playoffs, it’s fair to speculate if they will shut him down for the season.
