NFL Football Times Seven

This coming weekend is the one weekend of the season when NFL fans are able to watch a total of seven complete NFL games over the three day period. Having this be the Saturday (12/21) when the NFL Network exclusively televises a live triple header adds the three games to the mix.

At press time, it was not certain whether or not Rich Eisen would still do play-by-play of the Houston vs. Tampa Saturday 1 PM ET telecast. We were sorry to learn of the passing this week of Eisen's father. Fans do benefit from NFL Network's ability to "borrow" announcing teams from the networks. Nice to have Mike Torico calling the Buffalo vs. New England game, while the Fox team of Kevin Burkhardt and Charles Davis calls the Rams vs. 49ers game on Saturday night.

For Sunday, Fox Sports got a break when NBC surprised and kept its Kansas City at Chicago telecast in place. The NFL had given NBC the ability to flex the game until Monday 12/16, leaving many to think it would switch and flex the New Orleans vs. Tennessee game. By not doing so, Fox gets this as its primary early game telecast. (The Bears were eliminated this past Sunday.)

NBA fans also benefit because the end of Thursday night NFL opens the door for TNT to begin its Thursday night NBA doubleheaders most weeks.

 
For those of us looking toward the warmer weather and the return of baseball, ESPN announced a portion of its 2020 regular season telecast schedule. The network plans 14 telecasts in the first 11 days of the season, including three on Opening Day March 26. In a total head shaking move, ESPN is planning a live quadruple header on Monday March 30th.

Its first telecast that day, which again is a Monday afternoon, is scheduled to be Kansas City at Detroit. Based on the 2019 standings, this does not figure to be a key matchup. Perhaps it is because ESPN needs to put every MLB team on at least once throughout the season. Since this telecast would not be a ratings grabber at that time no matter who is playing, the network probably figures it can get these teams out of the way early.

Sunday Night Baseball will again have the usual participants as often as possible. Already four (of a maximum of six) appearances for the Yankees and Cubs have been announced. ESPN is, however, hoping that Mother Nature is a baseball fan. Not sure that scheduling mid-April night telecasts (with no alternate game available) from Chicago and New York City is the best idea.

 
NEW YORK: As the Michael Kay Show on WEPN-FM takes over as the afternoon drive sports leader in the market, WFAN prepares to begin 2020 with its "new" afternoon drive team in place. Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts have been chosen to replace the majority of the time slot held by Mike Francesa. Benigno and Evans will air from 2 to 6 PM weekdays.

Francesa will remain on the WFAN schedule, but only from 6:00 to 6:30 PM on weekdays. According to Francesa, his half hour gig may also include some political talk instead of or in addition to sports. Not sure that some political talk will be helpful in trying to take the number one afternoon sports talk spot back from Michael Kay.


Finally, let's wish all of you a great holiday season! The Broadcast Booth will be back for 2020 starting the week of Jan. 6th, and should be back to its earlier more frequent schedule. Thanks for your support over the years!