NFL schedule makers sometimes program two Monday Night Football games to maximize viewership and provide more primetime content.
Ever wondered why some Mondays feature double doses of gridiron action? You’re not alone! Many fans ponder the same question: why are there 2 mnf games? It can seem unusual, having two games back-to-back on a Monday night.
This scheduling decision is a strategic move to capture more viewers. The NFL knows a double header equals more eyeballs on the screen and allows different markets to get their football fix. It also serves to extend the prime-time football offering for viewers across the country.
Why Are There 2 MNF Games?
Have you ever settled in on a Monday night, ready for some football, and then realized there are two games instead of one? It might seem a little confusing, but there’s a good reason why the NFL sometimes schedules two Monday Night Football (MNF) games. It’s not just random chance; it’s all part of a plan to give fans more football and to make sure different parts of the country get to see their favorite teams.
The Basics of Monday Night Football
Before we dive into the double dose of MNF, let’s talk about what Monday Night Football is. For many years, MNF was a single, prime-time game on a big television channel. It was a big deal because it was the only football game on TV that night, and people all over the country would tune in. It became a tradition, a way to start the week with some exciting sports action. The idea was to offer a featured game, a weekly showcase of the NFL to the audience. This scheduling became important for many NFL fans and it helped build an audience.
The Move to Two Games
So, if MNF was always just one game, what changed? Well, over time, the NFL and the television networks realized there was an opportunity to show even more football. The demand was there, and with new technology and more ways to watch games, scheduling a second MNF game became a logical step. This decision wasn’t made overnight, but evolved to reach more audiences with staggered start times.
Why the Staggered Start Times?
When there are two MNF games, they almost always have different start times. Usually, the first game starts a few hours earlier than the second game. This allows fans to watch both games! It’s similar to how some Sunday games are also staggered; this allows networks to broadcast more games and allow fans to watch multiple games.
- More Football for Fans: The most obvious benefit is that fans get to see more NFL action. If you’re a football fanatic, a double-header on Monday night is like a dream come true!
- Reaching Different Time Zones: By having staggered start times, the games can better reach audiences in various time zones. For example, the first game might be more suitable for the East Coast, and the later game can be timed better for those on the West Coast.
- More Exposure for Teams: The two MNF games provide more opportunities for different teams to be featured in a prime-time slot. This means more national television exposure for all.
- Increase Ratings for Networks: From a network’s perspective, more games mean more viewing and that leads to higher ratings and greater revenues. This has financial benefits for television providers.
The Impact of TV Networks
Television networks, like ESPN, play a big role in scheduling MNF games. They have contracts with the NFL, and these contracts give them the right to broadcast games. The networks want to air games that people will watch, so they work closely with the NFL to select games that will be exciting and attract many viewers. The scheduling is often based on team popularity, team performance, rivalries, and player’s star power.
Flexibility in Scheduling
The NFL also uses “flexible scheduling,” especially in the later part of the season. This means that the league can swap games from Sunday afternoon slots into the Monday night spot, or vice-versa. This ensures that the most exciting, high-stakes games are shown in prime time when viewership is at its highest. Flexible scheduling helps create more compelling matchups that audiences are more inclined to watch.
The History of Two MNF Games
While the idea of two MNF games might seem recent, it has its roots in earlier broadcast strategies. The first instance of a doubleheader was done in 1970, in the first season of Monday Night Football. But, those were usually played very rarely and sporadically, and were not common. The concept of regularly having two games per week on MNF has come in recent years. The modern approach to having two games more consistently came about due to different network deals and the desire to expand primetime football coverage.
The Role of New Broadcast Contracts
New broadcast contracts between the NFL and TV networks often have stipulations about the number of prime-time games that will be shown each week. These contracts frequently include specific provisions for Monday Night Football and influence the decision to show more than one game. These contracts are multi-billion dollar deals and play a critical role in determining the viewing experience of an NFL fan.
Benefits for the NFL
It’s not just about TV networks; the NFL benefits from having two MNF games as well.
- Increased Revenue: More TV games mean more money for the NFL. The league shares the revenue among all the teams, which helps to keep teams competitive and helps ensure financial stability for the NFL.
- Greater Brand Visibility: Having games on prime time on Monday night increases the NFL’s brand recognition and keeps football at the forefront of the public consciousness. This visibility is helpful for continued fan interest.
- Showcase Talent: With more prime-time games, more NFL players and teams get to show what they can do on the national stage. This allows them to build their brands and gain wider recognition.
Potential Drawbacks of Two MNF Games
While most people love two Monday Night Football games, there are some potential drawbacks. Having two games on Monday Night is a very good decision, however there are a few reasons that it could be seen as problematic:
- Late Start Times: The second game, in particular, can start very late, especially for people living on the East Coast. This could mean going to bed very late on a weekday.
- Less Focus on Each Game: Some people might find it harder to pay attention to both games, compared to just focusing on one. This issue is mainly because people are watching one game and paying attention to the other game as well.
- Scheduling Conflicts: Some viewers are fans of both teams that might be playing on Monday night, so they might have a tough time choosing one. Having two MNF games can make following all the games more complicated.
How to Keep Up with Both MNF Games
If you are eager to watch both MNF games, here are a few tips to make it enjoyable:
- Record One Game: Use your DVR (digital video recorder) or streaming service to record one of the games. That way, you can watch one live and then catch up on the other later.
- Use a Second Screen: If you have a tablet or computer, you can use it to watch the other game, while watching one of them live. This allows you to watch both games in real time.
- Follow Online Updates: If you can’t watch both games live, keep an eye on live scores and highlights on websites or apps. This will keep you up-to-date with both games.
Future of Monday Night Football
The trend towards having two MNF games seems likely to continue as the NFL looks for ways to expand its reach and its revenue. As TV technology advances, we might see even more creative ways to watch multiple games. The league always evaluates the success of their scheduling and tries to maximize viewership.
The Role of Streaming Services
Streaming services are becoming more and more important in sports broadcasting. These platforms allow for more flexible viewing options and reach a younger demographic. It is possible that in the future, MNF games might be broadcast differently on various streaming platforms.
The Fan Perspective
Ultimately, the decision to have two MNF games comes down to what the fans want. Most fans seem to enjoy the extra football. This gives everyone a chance to watch their favorite teams, no matter where they are. The increased access to prime-time games also helps them follow their favorite players and the game more closely.
The Excitement of Prime Time Football
There’s something special about watching football in the evening. It’s a great way to wind down from a busy day, and it brings people together in front of their TVs. Monday Night Football has been a fixture of American life for decades. It’s a tradition that many people look forward to each week.
The addition of a second game to the Monday Night Football schedule has brought some added benefits and a few challenges. However, the fans’ response and viewership numbers show that most people enjoy having more opportunities to watch their favorite teams and enjoy a prime-time game. The changes in broadcast deals have also played an integral role in the number of games on the television.
In essence, two Monday Night Football games means more football for the fans, more exposure for the teams, and more revenue for the NFL. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved in the sport.
Assessing challenge of watching two overlapping MNF games | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, scheduling complexities cause the occasional double Monday Night Football games. TV networks’ desire for more games and viewership also plays a role. The league must balance many factors.
Therefore, we sometimes see this, explaining why are there 2 mnf games. It’s a balancing act for the NFL and its partners. This format can provide extra football for fans.
