As 2020 comes to a close, the NFL is inching closer to a postseason many never expected to happen. But, in true 2020 fashion, there’s a little surprise with the NFL wild card playoffs.
When it comes to broadcasting NFL games, everyone wants in on the action, which is no surprise given ratings for the NFL beat everything else on television. In the wild card round of the playoffs, ESPN will get its own playoff game (which will be played Jan. 9 or 10).
ESPN will unveil it’s MegaCast, where it will broadcast its wild card playoff game across five different Walt Disney Company networks, which includes — you guessed it — Freeform. It will also air on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
It’s ESPN’s attempt to take advantage of the massive NFL ratings that are sure to come with the league’s postseason, and that includes marketing the game towards a younger demographic through Freeform. Which is smart on Freeform’s part.
But it’s not just ESPN banking on the NFL. CBS is also taking advantage of its variety of networks, where it’ll be airing a wild card game on Jan. 10 at 4:30 p.m. ET on both CBS and Nickelodeon. And if you were wondering if the Nickelodeon presentation will feature slime, you’d be correct.
The Nickelodeon broadcast will feature “one-of-a-kind kid-focused content and Nick-themed elements throughout, including a special halftime presentation, guest reporters and original on-field graphics, virtual filters and more.”
Noah Eagle and Nate Burleson will serve as the play-by-play and analyst, respectively, will Nick star Gabrielle Nevaeh Green will also be in the booth to call the game. Nick star Lex Lumpkin will serve as a sideline reporter during the game.
It all kicks off with “The SpongeBoby SportsPants Countdown Special,” which is similar to pre-game content that airs on other sports networks, and it’ll be hosted by Denver Broncos edge rusher Von Miller nad feature appearances by Jim Nantz and Tony Romo.
Here’s a look at the current playoff standings for the AFC and NFC:
AFC
- Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2)
- Buffalo Bills (10-3)
- Tennessee Titans (9-4)
- Cleveland Browns (9-4)
- Indianapolis Colts (9-4)
- Miami Dolphins (8-5)
NFC
- Green Bay Packers (10-3)
- New Orleans Saints (10-3)
- Los Angeles Rams (9-4)
- Washington Football Team (6-7)
- Seattle Seahawks (9-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)
- Arizona Cardinals (7-6)