The NFL moved NE/Buffalo to 4:25 I read this breakdown: Basically, the only playoff team that can rest their players because they can't improve or hurt their position is Kansas City.
Aaron Rodgers is playing http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...y-packers-return-play-sunday-vs-chicago-bears
yeah I guess I should've mentioned that. He was upgraded at about 1 PM EST and books posted lines for the game a little after 3 PM as a result. 12/26/13 10:02:52am Pacific NFL: Game 303-304 (ORN# 1007-1008) Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers shoulder Probable missed last few games, is upgraded to expected to start Sunday vs Chicago. 12/26/13 07:05:44am Pacific NFL: Game 303-304 (ORN# 1007-1008) Green Bay RB Eddie Lacy ankle Probable injured last game, is upgraded to probable Sunday vs Chicago. 12/25/13 06:05:53pm Pacific NFL: Game 303-304 (ORN# 1007-1008) Green Bay WR Randall Cobb knee "?" missed last few games, is upgraded to "?" Sunday vs Chicago. 12/22/13 05:26:00pm Pacific NFL: Game 303-304 (ORN# 1007-1008) Green Bay RB Eddie Lacy ankle "?" injured last game, is "?" Sunday vs Chicago.
Aaron Rodgers return is going to throw a curveball into the NFL playoffs if they can get in. The packers now have a dual threat offense with the ability to run. Packers still have a game to win though and for Jay Cutler, the time is now. Its time for Cutler to get over the Packers and finally deliver them the big blow. Cutlers in a contract year and has all the receivers in the world, its time to get it done. If it means putting up 40 then he has to put up 40.
He'll have to do that. The Packers d has allowed 20+ in 9 straight games, so that should help. Also, Cobb has been out for more than "a few games." He's missed almost the entire season.
What is your point? I didn't say no one would watch. I'm saying they would've done better with Bears/Packers. I'm sure they would agree. They didn't learn after airing Redskins/Giants. The NFC East has been horrible. If the NFC top four seeds were decided based on what they've achieved this season, and not by division: 1)Seattle 2)San Francisco 3)Carolina 4)New Orleans
I'm pretty certain they do, because Packers/Bears is a more compelling game. Rodgers making his return at Soldier Field, with the winner getting the NFC North.
This, people always make a big deal about "matchup" ratings, its fun to talk about it but its not real. Super Bowl 43 drew a bigger audience than Super Bowl 42. I remember guys saying "omg the Cardinals are gunna kill the ratings, its a "boring" matchup" etc. The only thing NBC will regret is if the game turns into a blowout because people will shut the TV off. That would apply to both games to, if the Packers go up like say 24-3, the TV's are getting turned off early. Then again, the Networks get paid for the commercials beforehand so the only ones that will be pissed are the ones who are paying to advertise. NBC can care less if it is 41-0 at halftime because they have already made the cash.
Classic soxxx post. The more compelling the matchup, the more people watch. You think Washington/Giants week 17 would do just as well as Bears/Packers? A)Much different with a Super Bowl than a SNF game, for obvious reasons. B)I don't know who said that.
I didnt mean it like that so dont put words in my mouth. Im telling you, Bears/Packers vs Cowboys/Eagles would draw very similar ratings. HELL if it was Jaguars/Titans for the division it would draw just as much. As long as the game has the same meaning people will watch.
No one cares what teams are in the games, if you think it matters whos in it, you are fool. If its meaningful people will watch. Heres your SNF between 2001-2010. Explain to me how the Rams-Seahawks game which featured 2 losing teams drew the highest recorded rating AT THAT TIME. 2010 1/2/2011 NBC StL-Sea 12.6 19 2009 1/3/2010 NBC Cin-NYJ 11.4 18 2008 12/28/2008 NBC Den-SD 10.6 17 2007 12/30/2007 NBC Ten-Ind 11.6 19 2006 12/31/2006 NBC GB-Chi 8.7 17 2005 12/26/2005 ABC NE-NYJ 10.5 18 2004 12/27/2004 ABC Phi-StL 11.7 19 2003 12/22/2003 ABC GB-Oak 12.1 19 2002 12/30/2002 ABC SF-StL 9.6 15 2001 1/7/2002 ABC Min-Bal 13.4 21 Im telling you, you could put Jags-Titans for a division title and it would set a new record. We are in the age where all 32 teams are attractive if they are relevant. NBC didnt go wrong because they cant go wrong. The same audience will watch either game. Fanbases watching the game make up the minority of who is watching in total. Most people watching are not fans of either team.
Exactly my point. A fan of one of the teams is irrelevant because he or she will watch anyway. The difference in ratings comes from casual viewers, who might or might not watch the game depending on whether they are interested in the storyline or matchup. That's why they promote games the way they do. That's why networks love to air Manning/Brady matchups if they can. Because the teams playing do matter.