The MNF Doubleheader: What to Expect from Week 14’s Unusual Lineup
While it’s not quite as special as it was back in the day, there’s still something iconic about Monday Night Football. For a player, there’s something to be said for having all eyes on you. And for fans there are few things better than topping off the NFL weekend with a metaphorical cherry. Well, to continue that analogy, Week 14 is going to be a bit sweeter than average. When the NFL action kicks off on Monday evening, two contests will take place at the same time. The Green Bay Packers will visit the New York Giants, while the Miami Dolphins host the Tennessee Titans.
MNF Doubleheader Is a Learning Experience
While having two Monday Night Football games on the same day is an unusual experience, it’s not unprecedented. Earlier this year, ESPN and ABC featured two contests kicking off in staggered timeslots. Week 14’s schedule will be a bit different, as both games air at the same time with the “Manningcast” flipping between the games, but the underlying motivation is the same. “The thought there is: Can we combine total audience and do a little bit like we used to do in the old days of college football where we create a simultaneous national and regional appeal and use our networks to do that in a single window?” ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus told The Athletic in September. “Then it combines to sort of like a super audience total number.” But there’s also some experimentation at play when it comes to speaking to the viewing audience. “We’re going to learn more about what optimizes best, and I think by next year we’ll continue to hone on driving the biggest viewership between the two games,” Magnus told The Athletic. “We will learn if it is better to start with the ABC game, the ESPN game or the other way around.” This time, though, both channel’s games will be starting at the same time. ESPN confirmed to Newsweek that while those quotes were from months ago, the underlying sentiment holds true.
How to Watch Both ‘Monday Night Football’ Games
With the more inside-baseball details squared away, let’s get down to brass tacks. If you want to tune in and catch the NFL action, how will the broadcast work? Both games will kick off at the same time: 8:15 p.m. ET. The Manningcast will also be available for viewing, with that broadcast jumping between the two games throughout the night. The Packers and Giants will occupy the top spot, airing on ABC (plus ESPN+). Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters will be on the call from the Meadowlands. The other contest, which features the Titans and the Dolphins, will air on ESPN. It will also be available for streaming on ESPN+ and on local television stations in the Nashville and Miami markets. That action will be narrated by Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, Louis Riddick and Laura Rutledge.
Week 14 Matchups
While trying to predict NFL results can be a fool’s errand, the matchups in Week 14 offer some intriguing storylines. In the Packers vs. Giants game, both teams are looking to make significant strides towards the postseason. The NFC North club is fighting to maintain their December streak and secure a playoff spot, while the Giants hope to make a statement as they face a team currently sitting at .500. On the other hand, the Titans vs. Dolphins game presents a potentially one-sided affair. With the Miami Dolphins demonstrating a strong offense and the Titans struggling to maintain their momentum, the game is likely to feature some explosive plays but little overall drama.
Conclusion
This scheduling quirk is just the beginning of an action-packed phase in the NFL season. As the games intensify, fans can expect more surprises and thrilling moments as the playoff picture becomes clearer. While keeping up with the lineup of games may prove challenging, the excitement of the football season is at its peak. As fans prepare for the MNF doubleheader, Week 14 promises to be a memorable week in the NFL.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
