The NFL's Thursday Night Football has a long tradition of drawing intense viewership thanks to its scheduling of high-stakes, exciting matchups. Notably, the beginning of the season often features intra-division rivalry games, which inherently possess a higher level of competition and stakes due to the familiarity and historic rivalries between the teams. These early games are critical as they set the tone for the season, influencing standings that could impact playoff possibilities.

The shift in Week 7 represents a strategic variation in scheduling. Moving away from intra-division games might be aimed at keeping the broader audience engaged by introducing matchups between teams that do not frequently play against each other. This can lead to unpredictability and fresh excitement, as teams are less familiar with each other’s strategies and play styles.

Denver’s involvement in Week 7 illustrates the league’s attempt to maintain a high interest in all teams by distributing high-visibility games throughout the season. Each game's outcome becomes a significant thread in the narrative of the NFL season, affecting team morale, fan engagement, and media coverage.

The NFL’s strategic scheduling showcases not only an understanding of sports rivalry and competition but also marketing savviness. As teams from different divisions clash, new and possibly nationwide rivalries might emerge, bringing new stories and new heroes into the spotlight, thereby enhancing the overall allure and narrative complexity of the league.