What NFL Games Are Televised Today?

Finding out which NFL games are on TV today can be tricky with the league’s ever-changing schedule. This article aims to clarify how the NFL decides which games get primetime slots, particularly Sunday Night Football, and discusses the potential Week 18 matchups.

Deciding Sunday Night Football

Week 18’s Sunday Night Football matchup is often determined by playoff implications. NBC, the broadcaster for SNF, wants a game with high stakes to draw a large audience. Several scenarios could play out, impacting which game gets chosen:

Scenario 1: Bills Win on Monday Night Football

If the Bills defeat the Bengals on Monday Night Football, the Sunday Night Football decision hinges on the outcomes of Saturday’s games.

• Patriots vs. Bills: This game becomes significant if the Chiefs lose to the Raiders on Saturday. In this scenario, the Patriots would be playing for a playoff spot, while the Bills would be trying to secure the #1 seed. However, if the Chiefs win, the Bills would already have the #1 seed, potentially leading to both teams resting starters. NBC likely wants to avoid a game with limited star power.

• Ravens vs. Bengals: This game would decide the AFC North title if the Bills win on Monday. While seemingly important, a potential issue arises if these teams are slated to face each other the following week in the Wild Card round. Resting starters to avoid injury for the playoffs could make for a less compelling Sunday night game.

Scenario 2: Bengals Win on Monday Night Football

A Bengals victory on Monday Night Football simplifies things. Playoff seeding would likely be determined before Sunday night, allowing NBC to choose the most appealing matchup remaining.

The Lions/Packers Wildcard

Some argue that if the Seahawks win earlier on Sunday, eliminating the Lions from playoff contention, the Lions/Packers game becomes less appealing for SNF. However, the Packers have a large national following and a compelling quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, making this game attractive regardless of the Lions’ playoff status. The potential for a Lions upset adds an underdog storyline that could captivate viewers.

Week 18 Scheduling Concerns

The scheduling of the Titans/Jaguars game on Saturday night raises concerns. The winner receives an extra day of rest and preparation for the playoffs, giving them an unfair advantage. A Cowboys or Steelers game might have been a more suitable Saturday night matchup, providing a compelling lead-in to Sunday’s games without impacting playoff fairness.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the NFL prioritizes maximizing viewership when selecting the Sunday Night Football game. While competitive balance and fairness are factors, the league and its broadcast partners ultimately seek the most captivating matchup to conclude the regular season. The Week 18 schedule, with its potential for last-minute playoff drama, promises an exciting finish to the NFL season, regardless of which games are televised on Sunday.