2010 Sunday Night Football Analysis

Since NBC grabbed the SNF package back in 2006, the peacock network has tried to make SNF the marquee primetime game of the week. With too many options available at everyone's disposal, Monday Night Football was not garnering the buzz and ratings like it used to. Thanks to flex scheduling, NBC has succeeded in making the Sunday night package a must see event for all NFL fans. The only discretion with NBC is that it has become so predictable in the matchups and teams that they want to feature. On SNF, you know you are going to get the NFC East (Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins), the marquee teams in the NFC North (Bears, Packers, and Vikings), a random "hot" team from the NFC South or West (Saints, Falcons, Niners, or even Cardinals), the Pats, the Colts, the Steelers and a random "hot" team from another AFC group (Jets, Dolphins, Ravens, Chargers, or Broncos). There really isn't much diversity for the NFL fan on SNF. Let's take a look at this year's SNF sked and break it down.

Week 1
Dallas at Washington
My take: I like this opener because you have a marquee team going against their rival, and you get the first glimpse of the McNabb/Shanahan Era. Good choice by NBC.

Week 2
New York Giants at Indianapolis
My take: You knew NBC was going to fight for Manning Bowl II. Everyone wants to see Peyton vs. Eli, and you get the New York market involved early in the year. A win-win for every NFL fan.

Week 3
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
My take: I thought this should have been the MNF opener, but I'll take it in Week 3. Another solid rivalry, and the Jets are a hot team heading into 2010. Throw in Brandon Marshall and Rex Ryan and you've got a good matchup. Also, don't forget that New York audience.

Week 4
Chicago at New York Giants
My take: Do we need to see the Giants on SNF for the second time in three weeks? NBC must've really wanted to get the Chicago and New York markets because there is no need for the G-Men to be twice in three weeks. This could have been saved for later in the year.

Week 5
Philadelphia at San Francisco
My take: It might not be the greatest matchup on paper, but I like this selection. It is nice to see NBC get the Niners involved. San Fran has a good chance to make the playoffs this year, so this game is a refreshing choice. Plus, it will be Kevin Kolb's first SNF appearance as the Eagles starting QB.

Week 6
Indianapolis at Washington
My take: I know it is Peyton Manning and the Colts, but do we need to see them again this early in the year. Colts-Skins just doesn't have that certain appeal because it isn't a rivalry and traditional matchup. This isn't the best choice.

Week 7
Minnesota at Green Bay
My take: If Brett Favre comes back for 2010, then this selection is a homerun. NBC got shutout of the Favre-Packers matchups in 2009. One game went to ESPN, and the other game went to FOX. NBC will be doing backflips if Favre comes back for this one.

Week 8
Pittsburgh at New Orleans
My take: This should have been the Thursday Night opener, but we'll take it in Week 8. Big Ben will be back from suspension by this point in the season, and the game will feature the last two Super Bowl winners. Good selection by NBC.

Week 9
Dallas at Green Bay
My take: NBC is going to Lambeau for the second time in three weeks. This drives me nuts. FOX must have been screaming about losing this matchup. It is a good game, but we don't need to see GB again so soon. This could have been later on in the year.

Week 10
New England at Pittsburgh
My take: Two perennial AFC powers going at it from Heinz Field. Great setting and a great matchup.

Week 11
New York Giants at Philadelphia
My take: When NBC is in doubt, they go with a NFC East matchup. It is the same thing every year. They should give other teams a shot instead of these two.

Week 12
San Diego at Indy
My take: Finally, NBC gives the AFC West some love. Great matchup between the two best teams in the AFC last year. This is a solid choice by NBC, and it should be a great one.

Week 13
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
My take: It seems like every year Steelers-Ravens have at least one primetime game. There is good reasoning behind this decision because these teams always have great games against each other. Good selection by the peacock.

Week 14
Philly at Dallas
My take: Here we go with another NFC East matchup. NBC should spread the wealth around a little bit more. There is no need for another NFC East game on SNF.

Week 15
Green Bay at New England
My take: A great choice by NBC. You get Tom Brady and the Pats against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Two highly-touted teams in a big game late in the year. Nice work by NBC snagging this game away from FOX.

Week 16
San Diego at Cincinnati
My take: This game gets my vote for "Game Definitely Flexed Out in 2010." I would bet my mortgage that this game will be a victim of flex scheduling. If it doesn't get flexed, then it will be a snoozefest.

Week 17
TBD
My take: Here is the perfect scenario for NBC's Week 17 SNF game: San Diego at Denver. The Chargers and Broncos are both 10-5, and the winner takes the AFC West. The loser doesn't even get a wild card berth. Tim Tebow leads Denver to a blowout victory, and the Broncos get revenge for the 2008 SNF finale.