David J. Phillip/Associated Press
It's just different under the lights.
Thursday nights during the NFL season provide the appetizer to whet one's appetite for an entire weekend's worth of games. Full Sunday slates often build toward one marquee matchup between playoff contenders and high-profile franchises on Sunday nights, and Monday Night Football is a storied institution of its own.
Every team's fans look forward to the schedule release to see when the rivalry clashes are, if their squad can navigate its way to the playoffs and when the much-needed bye week arrives.