2015 NFL Season

[Thundershock MN 169]

The 2015 NFL regular season begins tomorrow. Since the thread last year was well received last year I figured why not do it again this year.

 

 

With start of another season year here is a quick review of the broadcasting agreements between the league and their broadcast partners.

 

ESPN: MNF Package is for 7 more years (running through the 2021-22 season.)

NBC: SNF Package is for 8 more years (running through the 2022-23 season.)

CBS: TNF Package was renewed for for 1 year (and, again comes with a league option for a second year.)

CBS: "AFC Package" is for 8 more years (running through the 2022-23 season.)

FOX: "NFC Package" is for 8 more years (running through the 2022-23 season.)

Yahoo!: One year deal for rights to one game. Deal is estimated to be between 10-20 million dollars.

Verizon: In Market Mobile Phone streaming is for 3 more years (running through the 2017-18 season.)

DirecTV: NFL Sunday Ticket Package was renewed last year for additional 8 years (running through the 2022-23 season.)

 

 

Here are some of the changes or "highlights" related to NFL broadcasting headed into the new season:

 

 

NFL on Yahoo!:

• Looking to further test the digital waters the NFL has entered into a deal with Yahoo! that will see a regular season game made available exclusively via a digital outlet (except within the participating teams local markets.)
   
  
• The game will be available across the globe, for free, via Yahoo!, Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo! Screen and Tumblr
   
  
• CBS will handle production of the game for Yahoo!
   
  
• Following the same procedure for ESPN and NFLN exclusive games, the game will be simulcast OTA in the participating teams primary markets. As a result the CBS affiliates in Buffalo and Jacksonville will simulcast the game.
  

 

 

Thursday Night Football:

• After a successful first season of "Thursday Night Football" on NFL Network/CBS the league and CBS have entered into another one year deal (with a league option for a second year.)
   
  
• As part of the deal half of the 16 game package (weeks 2-8 and the week 13 game) will be simulcast on NFL Network and CBS. The remaining half will be shown exclusively on NFL Network (with OTA simulcasts in local markets.)
   
  
• CBS will handle production of all games. CBS' lead announce team of Nantz/Simms and "A" production team will handle all 14 Thursday night games.
  
• The NFL is going with color vs. color uniforms for TNF matchups starting this year. It is voluntary for this season and will be mandatory for the 2016 season.
   
  
• The Thursday night pregame show remain a "hybrid" featuring CBS and NFL Network talent. Pregame starts at 6pm ET on NFL Network and CBS joins the pregame at 7:30pm ET.
   
  
• NOTE: The TNF package does NOT include the Thursday Night week 1 "Kickoff" game or the Thursday Night Thanksgiving game. Both of those games are part of the NBC "SNF" package.
  

 

 

Saturday Night Football:

• As part of the “TNF package” late season Saturday Night football is back for another season with games in weeks 15 and 16.
   
  
• Both games will be shown exclusively on NFL Network (with OTA simulcasts in local markets.)
  

 

 

Sunday afternoon "Cross Flexing":

• As part of the current deals with CBS and FOX the NFL will continue the “cross flexing” introduced last season allowing the league to move Sunday afternoon "CBS Games" to FOX and "Fox games" to CBS.
   
  
• The league can move up to seven "FOX games" to CBS, and up to seven "CBS games" to FOX annually.
   
  
• There must be an equal number of games flexed from one network to the other.
   
  
• There are 4 games that have already been "Cross Flexed" all being announced as part of the NFL Schedule release:
   
  
• Week 3(September 27), Bears @ Seahawks on CBS (Normally a "FOX game")
   
  
• Week 5(October 11), Rams @ Packers on CBS (Normally a "FOX game")
   
  
• Week 12(November 26 -Thanksgiving), Panthers @ Cowboys on CBS (Normally a "FOX game")
   
  
• Week 15(November 2), Browns @ Seahawks on FOX (Normally a "CBS game")
  

 

 

Sunday Night Football "Flex Scheduling":

• As part of the new SNF deal "flex scheduling" was expanded last year so that games between Weeks 5 and 17 could be affected by "flex scheduling." However, only two games may be flexed into Sunday Night between Week 5 and 10.
   
  
• The rest of the flexible scheduling procedures remain the same.
  

 

 

Postseason football:

• NFL football returns to ABC...well, sort of. After televising their first ever NFL playoff game last year, ESPN will simulcast their wild card playoff game this season on ABC.
   
  
• After "exchanging" one of their wild card games for a divisional round game last season as part of their new deal, NBC will televise one wild card playoff game and one divisional round playoff game this season. As a result CBS only had one divisional round game last season .So, a safe assumption is that FOX will only have one divisional round game this year.
   
  
• The AFC Championship will continue on CBS and The NFC Championship will continue on FOX.
   
  
• The Super Bowl rotation will continue for the next nine years with each partner (CBS, FOX & NBC) having three apiece under the new deals:
   
  
• CBS: "50" (2016), LIII (2019), LVI (2022)
   
  
• FOX: LI (2017), LIV (2020), LVI (2023)
   
  
• NBC: XLIX (2015), LII (2018), LV (2021)
   
  
• As part of their deal the Pro Bowl has moved exclusively to ESPN for the duration of their contract (through the 2021-22 season)
  

 

 

Sunday Morning Football:

• After having some success with the "fourth game window" on Sunday Morning last year the league has chosen to expand this further to three games this season.
   
  
• Week 4 (October 4), Jets vs. Dolphins in London, 9:30am ET on CBS
   
  
• Week 7 (October 25), Bills vs. Jaguars in London, 9:30am ET on Yahoo!
   
  
• Week 8 (November 1), Lions vs. Chiefs in London, 9:30am ET on FOX
   
  
• All three games will be made available nationally.
   
  
• As a result of having the normal Sunday afternoon doubleheader in week 8 (November 1),Fox will have a tripleheader that week.
  

 

NFL International Series:

• A total of three games will be played in London this year as part of the NFL International Series. And, the league took another step further scheduling back-to-back games for the first time:
   
  
• Week 4 (October 4), Jets vs. Dolphins, 9:30am ET on CBS
   
  
• Week 7 (October 25), Bills vs. Jaguars , 9:30am ET on Yahoo!
   
  
• Week 8 (November 1), Lions vs. Chiefs, 9:30am ET on FOX
   
  
• The Jacksonville Jaguars will continue to play one home game in London through next season. They are currently seeking a renewal that would allow them to play one game a season at Wembley through the 2030 season.
   
  
• The NFL’s exclusive deal with Wembley Stadium currently runs through next season.And, it is likely the league stages four games there next season.
   
  
• The NFL announced a deal with deal with Tottenham Hotspur of the EPL that will see the league stage 2 games per season at their new stadium for 10 years starting with the 2018 season.
   
  
• Looking further expand the International Series the league is also looking at staging games Germany and Mexico within the next few seasons. And, longer-term Canada and China are on the radar.
   
  
• Although, not a regular season game the NFL is seriously considering relocating the Pro Bowl to Brazil starting with the 2017 season.
   
  
• And,After being "on hiatus" for 2014 season the Bills Toronto Series is no more.
  

 

 

Streaming Options:

• Broadcasters were granted "TV Everywhere" rights (except via mobile phones) as part of their new deals. Mobile phone rights continue to be held by Verizon (through the 2017-18 season.) So, as at least as I understand it here is a quick breakdown of Streaming/Mobile rights:
  

Sunday Night Football:

Phones: Verizon (NFL Mobile)

All Other Devices: NBC (NBC Sports Live Extra)

 

Monday Night Football:

Phones: Verizon (NFL Mobile)

All Other Devices: ESPN (WatchESPN)

 

Thursday Night Football:

Phones: Verizon (NFL Mobile)

All Other Devices: NFL (Watch NFL Network)*

 

CBS Package (In Market):

Phones: Verizon (NFL Mobile)

All Other Devices: CBS (cbssports.com)**

 

FOX Package (In Market):

Phones: Verizon (NFL Mobile)

All Other Devices: FOX (FOX Sports Go)

 

CBS Package (Out Of Market):

Phones: DirecTV (NFL Sunday Ticket MAX)***

All Other Devices: DirecTV (NFL Sunday Ticket MAX)***

 

FOX Package (Out Of Market):

Phones: DirecTV (NFL Sunday Ticket MAX)***

All Other Devices: DirecTV (NFL Sunday Ticket MAX)***

 

NFL RedZone:

Phones: Verizon (NFL Mobile)

All Other Devices: NFL (Watch NFL Network)

*I don't believe the league extended CBS "TV Everywhere" or digital rights for TNF.

 

**

CBS will only stream games with full national clearance (CBS’ London Game, CBS’ Thanksgiving Day Game and all CBS’ playoff games)

. CBS games do NOT require authentication.

 

***Also available via the standalone "online-only" NFL Sunday Ticket.tv service.

• DirecTV has continuted "branding" their OTT Sunday Ticket offering as Sunday Ticket.TV. And, they took another small baby step forward making the OTT offering available nationally once again. However, it is limited to colleges and select apartment complexes.
  

Other Notes:

Blackout Rule Lifted.

• The NFL has lifted its blackout rule for this season. The rule that has been lifted prevents blackouts this season in local markets where the local team doesn’t sell-out their stadium.
  

 

 

FOX NFL Kickoff moves to FOX.

• After two seasons on FS1, FOX NFL Kickoff has moved to the FOX network. This creates a two-hour pregame block on FOX starting at 11ET. And, frees up FS1 for Bundesliga games on Sunday Mornings.
  

 

 

Gold Everywhere.

• In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowlthe NFL has colored seemingly everything gold. The NFL shield, NFL Network logo, the 50 yard line, etc. have all been colored gold for the season.
  
• The league was also planning to showcase “rematches” from previous Super Bowls. The league was planning on calling these games “Gold Games”. In all 19 “Gold Games encompassing 22 Super Bowl rematches were scheduled to take place during the season. However, it appears as though the NFL has chose to abandon the “Gold Game” concept shortly before the start of the season.
  

 

NFL Now.

• The NFL discontinued NFL Now Plus late this summer. The content that was previously available with a “plus” subscription has been rolled into the revamped Game Rewind package.
  

 

NFL Game Pass.

• The NFL discontinued their Preseason Live, Audio Pass and Game Rewind streaming services late this summer. This services were combined along with the NFL Now Plus content into one service to create NFL Game Pass.
  

[Enjoy the season and happy discussion.

EDIT: (9/13) Added long breakdown of changes and hightlights

[oklahomanewsman 210]

Interesting change is that LA gets the Lions/Chargers game on FOX and in Tulsa they get the Seahawks/Rams game http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2015&wk=1 I'm starting a new thread on that topic

[Guest Former Member 207]

Don't forget too for those who have DirecTV, but don't have the Sunday Ticket, there's a free preview this weekend of the games and its Red Zone channel.

 

Also, on another note, the NFL has eliminated home game blackouts for this season. There were no home blackouts in 2014, with some of the teams using the NFL's "85-percent capacity" rule, where of course teams had to sell-out at least 85 percent of general admission seating to allow the local telecasts of home games.

 

Looking at the maps from 506sports, I'm kinda surprised that most of the country is getting KC @ Houston game (although it should be a pretty competitive game, and J.J. Watt is an absolute beast) as CBS's main 1pm ET game. I would have thought that Indianapolis-Buffalo would have gotten more distribution at least in more of the central part of the country.

[oklahomanewsman 210]

Don't forget too for those who have DirecTV, but don't have the Sunday Ticket, there's a free preview this weekend of the games and its Red Zone channel.

 

Also, on another note, the NFL has eliminated home game blackouts for this season. There were no home blackouts in 2014, with some of the teams using the NFL's "85-percent capacity" rule, where of course teams had to sell-out at least 85 percent of general admission seating to allow the local telecasts of home games.

 

Looking at the maps from 506sports, I'm kinda surprised that most of the country is getting KC @ Houston game (although it should be a pretty competitive game, and J.J. Watt is an absolute beast) as CBS's main 1pm ET game. I would have thought that Indianapolis-Buffalo would have gotten more distribution at least in more of the central part of the country.

That's the game I'm keeping my eye on this Sunday Chiefs vs Texans

[bebreezyman 0]

Yahoo's NFL game is this morning....here's how the telecast will play out and some future implications: http://jmanmediazone.blogspot.com/2015/10/what-to-expect-from-nfl-on-yahoo-and.html

[Viper550 291]

As expected, it's a CBS production (and using the TNF music; not that it's bad, but this matchup sort of screams Thursday Night Football to begin with).

 

BBC and Sky Sports are also showing this game in the UK. Sky's feed is suspiciously missing something, and the BBC has its own scoreboard that matches up with its usual look and its graphics for the other football (though it also seems Preseason-quality, and very glitchy according to our de facto British counterpart in TVForum)

 

[MEDIA=twitter]658288558202056705[/MEDIA]

 

(though I wouldn't mind seeing the "Football-style" score notation used more often)

[danderson500 29]

I am surprised that next week, CBS has Nantz and Simms at the Patriots Giants game when Manning could break the record against the Chiefs. maybe because the Patriots Giants is the bigger game?

[RGSJenkins 434]

I am surprised that next week, CBS has Nantz and Simms at the Patriots Giants game when Manning could break the record against the Chiefs. maybe because the Patriots Giants is the bigger game?

1. The Patriots are 8-0.
   
2. Both teams are big media markets.
   
3. Both teams have history with each other. Game 16 of the '07 season, Super Bowl XLII, Super Bowl XLVI
   
4. Brady vs Eli
   

[TheRolyPoly 2413]

1. The Patriots are 8-0.
   

 

That's the part that I'm really really happy about, even though I live in Miami. Go Patriots!

[danderson500 29]

I know it is a stupid question but why did CBS take the Steelers game off for Dolphins Eagles?

[elfuego35 90]

I know it is a stupid question but why did CBS take the Steelers game off for Dolphins Eagles?

 

If a network feels a game is a blowout, then they have the authorization to switch to a "better" game in that timeslot on the network.

 

The exception is in the home or secondary markets of the teams involved, or if a station requests an un-interuptible feed if the game is of interest to the region. In this scenario, the game is shown to completion no matter the score.

[TheRolyPoly 2413]

If a network feels a game is a blowout, then they have the authorization to switch to a "better" game in that timeslot on the network.

 

The exception is in the home or secondary markets of the teams involved, or if a station requests an un-interuptible feed if the game is of interest to the region. In this scenario, the game is shown to completion no matter the score.

 

Jim Nantz just said to some viewers hello from those watching KC vs. Denver, even though as of this post, the game is still not finished. KC leading Denver 29-0 in the 4th Q as of this post with Peyton Manning as 5/20 for 39 yds and 4 INT's and already benched for the rest of the game.

[danderson500 29]

Got to say though that CBS got a good lead-in for 60 Minutes with the Patriots Giants game(since the Patriots could have lost their undefeated status)

[TVNewsLover 779]

Jim Nantz just said to some viewers hello from those watching KC vs. Denver, even though as of this post, the game is still not finished. KC leading Denver 29-0 in the 4th Q as of this post with Peyton Manning as 5/20 for 39 yds and 4 INT's and already benched for the rest of the game.

So that likely means that those that most of those that were getting the Denver-KC game (save for home and and secondary markets of those teams) got switched to a more competitive game.

[danderson500 29]

Jim Nantz just said to some viewers hello from those watching KC vs. Denver, even though as of this post, the game is still not finished. KC leading Denver 29-0 in the 4th Q as of this post with Peyton Manning as 5/20 for 39 yds and 4 INT's and already benched for the rest of the game.

then why did FOX stick with Saints Redskins in New York when it could have switched to Dallas Tampa Bay or Detroit Green Bay? maybe because Saints Redskins was not the main game(that didn't stop CBS from cutting away from Broncos Chiefs though)

[elfuego35 90]

then why did FOX stick with Saints Redskins in New York when it could have switched to Dallas Tampa Bay or Detroit Green Bay? maybe because Saints Redskins was not the main game(that didn't stop CBS from cutting away from Broncos Chiefs though)

 

From what I gather, Fox only has the capability to cut to one game, which Fox decides before they start, and the swich to game (GB/DET) wasn't at the same point as the NO-WAS game.

Another thing is that your affiliate may have requested the "constant" feed of the game, since WAS is an NFC East Rival. In this scenario, the affiliate is given the same game, no matter if the game is a blowout.

 

CBS, on the other hand, has the capability to cut to any game they feel is more competitive, but they also follow the "constant feed" -protocol.

[Thundershock MN 169]

So that likely means that those that most of those that were getting the Denver-KC game (save for home and and secondary markets of those teams) got switched to a more competitive game.

Yep. Every game on Fox or CBS has a "constant feed" available. However, some games on Fox or CBS also have a "flex feed" available. The "constant feed" games remain with the same game until completion. The "flex feed" games can be switched to another game in the event of a blowout. All primary and secondary markets receive the "constant feed". Any other affiliates may request the "constant feed" or the "flex feed", if available.

 

So, using the example of the DEN/KC game there was a "flex feed" made available in addition to the "constant feed." So, when the game got out of hand viewers watching on affiliates that were using the "flex feed" left for NE/NYG. Thereby leaving the DEN/KC game's audience consisting only of the affiliates receiving the "constant feed." Ditto for last weeks CLE/PIT game as well...the viewers watching via affiliates using the "flex feed" dumped out for MIA/PHI leaving those watching on an affiliate using the "constant feed" as the remaining audience.

 

then why did FOX stick with Saints Redskins in New York when it could have switched to Dallas Tampa Bay or Detroit Green Bay? maybe because Saints Redskins was not the main game(that didn't stop CBS from cutting away from Broncos Chiefs though)

Fox only has the capability to provide one "flex feed" in each time slot. And, It's (almost) always the "A Game" in each slot that receives the "flex feed". GB/DET was the "A Game" last week. So, if your affiliate had NO/WSH (or any other Fox game, except GB/DET) you were stuck with it to the bitter end as the only feed available was a "constant feed."

 

From what I gather, Fox only has the capability to cut to one game, which Fox decides before they start, and the swich to game (GB/DET) wasn't at the same point as the NO-WAS game.

Another thing is that your affiliate may have requested the "constant" feed of the game, since WAS is an NFC East Rival. In this scenario, the affiliate is given the same game, no matter if the game is a blowout.

 

CBS, on the other hand, has the capability to cut to any game they feel is more competitive, but they also follow the "constant feed" -protocol.

Your on the right track. But, Fox can only cut out of one game in each time slot.

 

WRT to CBS they have more capacity available and as a result are able to have more games with a "flex feed." However, they rarely designate more than two in a time slot...and, really in the grand scheme of things anything more than that on most Sundays is overkill and a waste of transponder space.

[danderson500 29]

although I notice that FOX and CBS will switch to a late running game is it to sync up primetime because i remember NBC did it quite a bit in the 90s and CBS would do it too back then

[danderson500 29]

first time this year that CBS has had to cut a show form the lineup because of a overrun

[TheRolyPoly 2413]

first time this year that CBS has had to cut a show form the lineup because of a overrun

 

Yep. CSI: Cyber won't be shown tonight and Jim Nantz said that the program will be shown next week, when in reality it won't because of a Sinatra/Grammy special. The program will actually return in 2 weeks from tonight.

[danderson500 29]

have the Emmys ever been delayed due to football? I don't think so

[Thundershock MN 169]

although I notice that FOX and CBS will switch to a late running game is it to sync up primetime because i remember NBC did it quite a bit in the 90s and CBS would do it too back then

CBS rarely syncs up the network prior to primetime. The only time they sync up is if the late afternoon games end prior to the normally scheduled start of primetime, either 7pm ET or 7:30pm ET...which is pretty rare. However, If your getting a late afternoon game that runs past 7pm ET (or, 7:30pm ET) primetime is delayed in those markets only. In Week 2 (September 20th) this season the ET/CT time zones were split three ways for primetime...Most markets started on time at 7pm ET, Markets that received MIA/JAX started primetime at 7:26pm ET & Markets that received BAL/OAK started primetime at 7:34pm ET.

 

FOX pretty much takes the opposite approach. They almost always sync up prior to primetime. However, they either use The OT or re-runs in the 7pm ET hour as a buffer.

 

WRT, Bonus Coverage. The networks do it because they pay a butt load of money for NFL rights and they need to fill the time with something. The alternative is just using the talking heads in the studio to fill time. And, bonus coverage in the late afternoon slot is somewhat rare for a host of reasons. So, it is kind of indirect if/when it is used to sync up the network.

[danderson500 29]

I know it has happened twice but the Panthers were so good that FOX(outside my area in NC) switched to the Redskins Bears game Sunday because sometimes people on Facebook don't like it when the network switches games I remember one time when the Dolphins were beating a team so badly that NBC(this was when they had the AFC) cut to the Chargers-Chiefs game before Halftime in 1992 they were playing the hapless Colts(before Manning) and it was a 4pm game

[bebreezyman 0]

Decided to bump this thread because ESPN will be airing its first Super Bowl...in Spanish http://jmanmediazone.blogspot.com/2015/12/espn-acquires-super-bowl-from-cbs.html

[TheRolyPoly 2413]

Sorry for bumping the thread, but the season is officially over and for the full game highlights on Super Bowl 50, I turn your attention now to WSPA 7's Todd Summers for how the game all went down: