The NFL is introducing a historic Wednesday matchup the night before Thanksgiving, featuring the Los Angeles Rams hosting the Green Bay Packers on November 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. However, accommodating this unusual fixture required both franchises to give up their traditional bye weeks, drawing sharp criticism from Kelly Stafford.
Scheduling Disadvantages for the Rams
As reported by CBS Sports Headlines, the wife of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford turned to social media to question the league’s decision-making. She pointed out that the Rams were left as the only organization in the league without a standard break to recover during the season.
While a normal bye week provides a 14-day gap between matches, the Rams will receive only 10 days of rest. Their upcoming stretch includes facing the Arizona Cardinals on November 15, a bye on November 22, the Wednesday game against Green Bay on November 25, and a Thursday night clash against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 3.
The Packers face a comparable setup but retain a slightly better arrangement by avoiding a short turnaround in Week 13. Green Bay plays the Minnesota Vikings on November 15, takes a bye on November 22, meets the Rams on November 25, and plays the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, December 6, resulting in a single game across a 19-day span.
Expressing fatigue simply from observing from the stands, Kelly Stafford questioned how the athletes must feel and requested that the NFL provide justification for the unfavorable setup. Beyond the Wednesday fixture, the Rams’ calendar features a Friday game against the Seattle Seahawks on Christmas Day, alongside the possibility of a Saturday contest if they are flexed in the final weeks of the season.
A Demanding Travel Itineraries
The Rams have encountered several logistical hurdles throughout the season, beginning with their participation in the inaugural Australia game during Week 1. Those travel requirements have pushed their total projected journey past 34,000 miles, marking the second-highest travel distance across the entire league.
Despite the frustration regarding the lost rest period, the Rams will remain at home for Thanksgiving. This arrangement allows players and staff an opportunity to spend the holiday weekend with their families.
