The NFL is showcasing its new ability to enhance prime-time matchups, extending changes beyond just Sunday games.

For the first time ever on Friday, the league used its newly established option to alter the Thursday night game lineup—something that has been traditional during the regular season since 2012. This change will bring more visibility to the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers are in the middle of a series where they will play three night games in four weeks, including this Monday’s “Harbaugh Bowl” featuring coach Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers against John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens. Additionally, they are scheduled to host the Denver Broncos on Prime Video’s Thursday night lineup on December 19.

Both teams, the Chargers (7-3) and Broncos (6-5), are led by former University of Oregon quarterbacks, Justin Herbert and rookie Bo Nix, respectively. They are both hopeful contenders for wild-card spots, but they can also aim for the top of the division, currently held by the Kansas City Chiefs (9-1).

The Chargers previously defeated the Broncos 23-16 in Denver on October 13, but the game was largely dominated by LA, which led 23-0 by the fourth quarter. In recent games, Nix has improved significantly, only making one turnover in his last five appearances, and is now part of the discussion for Offensive Rookie of the Year alongside Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels.

This scheduling change will move the originally planned Thursday night game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to 1 p.m. ET on December 22, a matchup involving two teams likely missing the playoffs, which will be shown on Fox.

The NFL put in place a scheduling resolution last year, enabling adjustments to games beyond Sundays. According to the new rule, “Thursday games can only be flexed between Weeks 13 and 17, with a four-week notice required. Only two Thursday night games can be flexed each season.”

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