[frostno98]

NBC is really, really fuking pissst off right now!

[Darkside Magick]

i agree..the ratings would go thru the roof...but cbs may balk and hold firm

[InTheDrink]

why would cbs give up the game?

[Jnas]

The NFL announced Wednesday that the Patriots-Broncos game on Dec. 18 will not be switched to an 8:20 p.m. kickoff and will instead remain at 4:15 p.m.

According to multiple reports, NBC -- which has the right to request schedule changes 12 days in advance over the latter stage of the season -- wanted to switch from its scheduled Ravens-Chargers game to the Pats-Broncos for its showcase Sunday night telecast. But CBS, which holds the rights to the game, resisted and, per NFL rules, CBS and FOX can deny one NBC request per week (up to a maximum of six per year) to switch one of their scheduled games to Sunday night.


It was also believed the Patriots themselves -- or at least those in the football operations end -- did not want the game switched, as the travel home from Denver in the overnight hours on Monday would basically wipe out a day of meetings during a short week. (The Pats play Miami on Saturday, Dec. 24.)

Tim Tebow vs. Tom Brady/Bill Belichick is suddenly a marquee matchup, given Denver's recent resurgence, which is why NBC wanted the game.


When flexible scheduling was implemented by the NFL and its broadcast partners in 2006, the agreement was that the announcement on any changes to the original schedule would be made "at least 12 days before the game."

This is the pertinent paragraph from the original flex-scheduling announcement:


The NFL will decide (after consultation with CBS, FOX, NBC) and announce as early as possible the game being played at 8:15 p.m. ET. The announcement will come no later than 12 days prior to the game. The NFL may also announce games moving to 4:05 p.m. ET and 4:15 p.m. ET.


The wrangling carried it to 11 days before the game.

The Denver Post reported Tuesday that Patriots' owner Robert Kraft was lobbying to keep the game at 4:15 p.m. and on CBS. That report led to speculation that Kraft was keeping CBS' interest foremost because a business relationship beyond the NFL exists (CBS Scene is a restaurant at Patriot Place). That led to counter-speculation that Kraft was interested in serving his team's best football interests so that they wouldn't fly out of Denver at 2 a.m. EST on Monday morning with a game five days later against the Dolphins on Christmas Eve.

That scuttlebutt during the midday on Tuesday seemed to prompt an announcement by the NFL Tuesday night which read:

"Due to NFL Committee Meetings in New York today, the Week 15 flexible schedule announcement will be released tomorrow (Wednesday, December 7). All of the clubs under consideration to have Week 15 games flexed have informed our office that they are interested in the strongest schedule for our fans and network partners."

In any case, the deed is done and the Patriots-Broncos will be only highlights to some of the country.

[unusialsusp5]

why, are you doing something else at 4:15 next sunday. what do you care about nbc's advertising fee's increasing. the pit/sf game is just as good. why should the patriots have to fly home from denver and have a short week. the bible thumper will get crushed at 4:15 just as easily than at 8:35. the patriots are an absolute lock in this game. they are licking their chops to get at this guy.

[jjgold]

Politics

Would be highest rated Sunday Nigh game of all times

[frostno98]

Politics

Would be highest rated Sunday Nigh game of all times

That game might had surpass the 2012 Superbowl Rating, with the entire Bible belt tuning in after getting out of Church.

[seaborneq]

I'll watch it no matter when it comes on. I haven't seen the force of nature play a single game this year.

[moses millsap]

CBS wins.

[mr. leisure]

Pats open as a 4.5 point favorite at The Greek

[frostno98]

Pats open as a 4.5 point favorite at the greek

If they played like that defensively against the Redskins they will lose at Denver. Tebow won't be wronging about the speeds of Briggs, Urlacher, or Pepper chasing him, until they face the Ravens or Steelers in the playoffs.

[Jnas]

why, are you doing something else at 4:15 next sunday. what do you care about nbc's advertising fee's increasing. the pit/sf game is just as good. why should the patriots have to fly home from denver and have a short week. the bible thumper will get crushed at 4:15 just as easily than at 8:35. the patriots are an absolute lock in this game. they are licking their chops to get at this guy.

HAHA your funny

[k13]

Crazy, this line was 7. Tebow for MVP if he beats patriots.

[ttwarrior1]

jesus takes sunday nites off for a couple hours, sorrry man

[ThaWoj]

i was so happy when the bears got tebowed today but the patriots WILL NOT LOSE. the denver d is very good but have yet to face a GOOD qb.

ravens-chargers will actually be a more closer/exciting game now with the resurgence of san diego. in fact i think the chargers win the game.

[k13]

i was so happy when the bears got tebowed today but the patriots WILL NOT LOSE. the denver d is very good but have yet to face a GOOD qb.

ravens-chargers will actually be a more closer/exciting game now with the resurgence of san diego. in fact i think the chargers win the game.

Bal is only- 1 so yeah......

[Reload]

Will be the most hyped game of the whole week for sure.