The NFL has changed the kickoff time for the Bears-Packers game in Week 5, moving it to noon ET, according to multiple reports. The game was previously scheduled for a later afternoon slot.
Most outlets describe the change as a flex scheduling move that bumps the game out of a prime afternoon window. One source noted the reasoning: had the game remained in the late window at 3:25 p.m., it would have been seen by roughly a quarter of the country due to competing coverage of the 49ers-Seahawks game. At noon, the game will reach at least half the country, according to reporting on the distribution strategy.
One outlet noted that both Bears-Packers matchups this season will now kick off at noon, though the reporting does not clarify whether the other game's time was also adjusted or was already scheduled for that slot.