The Chargers switched to TNF in prime time for the first time ever in Week 16

Novice Los Angeles Chargers will be released in prime time on week 16.

The Chargers’ originally standard afternoon game against the Denver Broncos in Week 16 has been changed to Thursday night football, NFL announced on Friday. This is the first time the league has tensed up a Thursday game.

This isn’t much of a shocker as the 7-3 Chargers are still in the hunt for a top spot in the AFC playoffs. Elsewhere in the AFC West, the Broncos are 6-5 and also in the hunt.

These rivals met in Week 6, when the Chargers had a bye for the week and won 23-16 on the road while offensive tackle Justin Herbert and names like Joey Bosa struggled with injuries.

The Chargers’ promotion to prime time replaces the previously scheduled game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, giving Jim Harbaugh and Co. the only Thursday game of the year in prime time.

Harbaugh and the Chargers also have two season-ending flex-squad games in the final two weeks. If they continue to win, the games against New England and Las Vegas could also get off to an interesting start.

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