I'm going to be in Las Vegas this weekend so I went to the506.com to see what the game are being shown on the local channels. The Fox early game is Chicago/Detroit instead of Seattle/Houston. Almost all the Western States including much of California are getting Seattle/Houston. Chicago/ Detroit is also a decent game but Seattle and Houston are two teams that are picked to play in the Super Bowl. I realize there are a lot transplanted Chicago fans in the Las Vegas area but you could also say the same from people who grew up in the Northwest. I know I can go watch the game in the sportsbooks but it still doesn't make any sense. There is no way the NFC Central has more local fans than the NFC West. If you look at game map you will be scratching your head. It's almost like bookmakers are calling the shots as to which game is being shown on local TV.
Isn't the network calling the shots now for which games are shown. I know in the past the local affiliate made the decision. Living in the Philadelphia area some of the choices made for games look like they are made by the network. Many times inferior teams are shown over obvious match-ups with teams with winning records or few losses. The Bears have a big following but I can't believe Seattle which looks Superbowl bound if they have home field isn't the choice game. Drive into Mesquite, NV and cross over into the Utah boarder and they are showing the Seattle game. Bizarre!
