NFL
The Monday Night Football Lineup Just Got a Huge Boost Thanks to the Patriots and Chiefs
After Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, the Patriots‘ Week 4 game against the Chiefs seemed unlikely to happen.
The Titans and Steelers already postponed their game this week due to multiple positive tests in Tennessee. If there were any other positives in New England, the upcoming game would surely be postponed to another week. Luckily for the Patriots, though, all other tests came back negative ahead of Week 4. The highly anticipated matchup is back on, and it makes the Monday Night Football lineup a must-watch double-header.
Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 prior to Week 4
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The NFL went three weeks without any issues related to COVID-19. Only one player tested positive before Week 4, and no games were postponed or canceled due to the virus.
But that just changed in a big way. The Titans and Steelers were forced to postpone their Week 4 matchup after numerous Tennessee players and staff members tested positive this week. Then, the Patriots were hit with some terrible news of their own.
Cam Newton, who’s been incredible for New England this season, tested positive for the virus on Saturday. The positive test put the Patriots’ game against the Chiefs in jeopardy, but good news just came out of New England on Sunday.
The Patriots and Chiefs will now play on Monday night
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After the Newton news swept the football world, the Patriots Week 4 matchup against the Chiefs was postponed from Sunday afternoon. There was doubt across the NFL that the game would even be played this week, but we finally have a scheduled time for the heavyweight bout.
The Patriots and Chiefs will now play on Monday night at 7:05 p.m. ET, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. After holding their breath for the last 24 hours, Patriots fans have to be excited about playing a game this week, even if their starting quarterback will be out.
Brian Hoyer will start the game for the Patriots, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Jarrett Stidham get some reps under center. The matchup isn’t as enticing without Newton, but Bill Belichick against Andy Reid is always must-watch television.
The Monday Night Football lineup is now a double-header
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There’s nothing wrong with extra football, and that’s exactly what we’ll be getting on Monday night.
The Packers and Falcons were already scheduled to play on Monday Night Football on ESPN, but now the Patriots and Chiefs will be joining them in the lineup. New England and Kansas City will kick off at 7:05 p.m. ET, and the Packers and Falcons will be pushed back to 8:50 p.m. ET.
Football fans are usually treated to just one game on Monday nights, but they’ll be getting an added bonus with two of the best teams in the AFC squaring off before Aaron Rodgers and the Packers go for a 4-0 start to the season.