NFL to Broadcast Potentially Historic Game For Free

Earlier this week, the NFL noted that the New England Patriots and New York Giants were playing on their special NFL network as scheduled, which meant millions of viewers would need paid cable or satellite to watch. What changed their mind?

The NFL has announced that they will simulcast on three networks the potentially historic final season game between the New England Patriots and New York Giants. This Saturday, the Patriots have a chance of doing what only one other NFL team has done in history- go undefeated in the regular season. The 1972 Dolphins were able to accomplish that feat on their way to Super Bowl victory that year and the Patriots hope to do the same. Originally the game was scheduled to be broadcast on the NFL network, a special channel that only people with paid cable or satellite subscription can receive. The NFL network became even more prolific last year when some Comcast customers were told they had to pay for the channel separate rather than it continuing ot be included in the channel package. However, due to the potential history-making game this could be, the NFL announced that they will simulcast the game on NBC and CBS as well as their channel.

"We have taken this extraordinary step because it is in the best interest of our fans," Goodell said.

The NFL already faced mini-controversy earlier this year with a game broadcast on their channel. The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers matched up on a Thursday night game that could have lured even more fans into the NFL had it been broadcast, since both teams had only one loss going into the game.