NFL Reportedly Cannot Flex Bengals-Cowboys For Bizarre Reason

In the case of football fans getting stuck with a potentially mediocre Monday Night Football matchup in Week 14, the Simpsons did it. 

Week 11 culminates with a game between the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. Unfortunately for ESPN, a Dallas squad missing Dak Prescott will return three weeks later to host another primetime matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The 3-6 Cowoys and 4-7 Bengals probably wouldn't be the network's preferred game now. However, they can't change course because of an alternative broadcast.

On Dec. 9, ESPN+ and Disney+ will stream a Simpsons-themed NFL broadcast. Homer Simpson will take another step toward achieving his dream of owning the Cowboys by coaching them while Bart looks to lead Joe Burrow and Co. in a real-time animated production following last year's Toy Story Funday Football.

According to Sports Illustrated's Jay Morrison, ESPN can't flex out of the game because of The Simpsons broadcast. They've already put too much work into the presentation.

Fans will witness the actual action occur through tracking technology. The players will all be animated to resemble Springfield characters in a presentation featuring the show's voice actors and pre-made content from their producers.

Additionally, Bengals and Cowboys players will participate in pre-recorded segments with Simspons characters. Stephen A. Smith, Peyton Manning, and Eli Manning will also appear in animated segments.