ESPN must be questioning the multi-million dollar deal they have with the NFL, with the games they have been saddled with for the end of the season. NBC, and their Sunday Night Football package was able to get Flex Scheduling for the remainder of the season....ensuring good match-ups for the rest of the season. So far with the Flex, it's been the Patriots show...and the ratings have been boffo. The close game last Sunday between Phil-NE kept rising in the ratings as the game went on. The only reason the Pats aren't on this week, is due to the Pats being on MNF.
But look at the schedule for MNF. Last week...two teams who most likely won't make the playoffs.....Den/Tenn. Last night....in arguably the worst game in MNF history, Pitt 3, and Mia 0. You can blame the turf....but it did feature an 0-10 team....in a game that NBC would never have had. The future has one team destined for the playoffs- New England.....and a bunch of teams that looked good at the start of the season....not any longer.
Monday Night Football still has the history....but not the mystique it once had. When ESPN renegotiates their contract....expect the Flex Schedule to be a part of it.
And a side note.....70% of the country is not getting the game of the week....Green Bay vs Dallas. It's Thursday night, and its on the NFL Network. The NFL is playing hard ball, trying to get paid a premium for their channel....with key games being their leverage. It hasn't worked so far....and they could be alienating their rabid fan base with this tactic. Just ask the NBA.....the NFL may be King....but nothing is guaranteed.
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