The National Football League is catching serious heat from fans on social media for what many are calling a “dirty” scheduling move that puts its games in direct competition with the College Football Playoff (CFP).
This upcoming weekend marks the highly-anticipated start of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The action kicks off Friday night with Notre Dame facing Indiana. Then, on Saturday, fans can look forward to three marquee matchups:
- Penn State vs. SMU
- Texas vs. Clemson
- Ohio State vs. Tennessee
The NFL’s Saturday Games Stir Controversy
Despite the excitement surrounding the CFP, the NFL has decided to schedule two Saturday games during this critical college football weekend:
- Chiefs vs. Texans at 1 p.m. ET
- Ravens vs. Steelers at 4:30 p.m. ET
This overlap has frustrated college football fans, who are accusing the NFL of stepping on the toes of one of the biggest weekends in college football history. Critics argue that the NFL, already dominating nearly every day of the week with its games, didn’t need to infringe on a Saturday traditionally reserved for college football’s brightest stage.
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Fans Express Frustration
Many college football fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, arguing that the NFL is unnecessarily encroaching on a day that should belong to the CFP.
“Man, (expletive) the NFL for trampling on the first 12-team College Football Playoff,” one fan fumed.
Another added, “No reason for the NFL to play on Saturdays. Just another reason not to watch them. College games are more fun.”
The frustration isn’t just about this coming weekend. Fans pointed out that the NFL could have scheduled games on the prior Saturday, which featured only one college game—Army vs. Navy—leaving ample room for NFL action.
“And yet 0 games this Saturday with nothing going on,” one fan noted.
A History of Scheduling Respect in Reverse
Traditionally, college football has been careful not to conflict with the NFL’s schedule. For example, when New Year’s Day bowl games fall on a Sunday, the CFP and major bowl matchups are pushed to later dates out of respect for the NFL’s regular-season games. The NFL, however, appears to have taken the opposite approach, showing little regard for the CFP’s premiere weekend.
Some Fans Embrace a Multi-Screen Strategy
Not everyone is angry, though. Some fans are preparing to embrace the chaos with multiple screens to keep up with both the NFL and college football.
“Oh, multiple screen Saturday it is,” one fan joked, embracing the overlap.
NFL’s Expanding Schedule Sparks Debate
This situation highlights the NFL’s growing presence on the sports calendar. This year alone, the league has games scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, seemingly aiming to dominate the sports landscape every day of the week. While this strategy has undoubtedly expanded the NFL’s reach, it has also drawn criticism for stepping into territories traditionally occupied by other sports.
What’s at Stake?
The NFL’s Saturday games feature high-profile teams with significant playoff implications, particularly the Ravens-Steelers matchup, a long-standing rivalry. Meanwhile, the CFP games mark the dawn of a new era for college football, as fans experience the excitement of the expanded 12-team format for the first time.
The Verdict
The overlap between the NFL and College Football Playoff has sparked a spirited debate about respect, tradition, and scheduling strategy. While some fans are ready to juggle both sports on their screens, others feel the NFL’s decision to schedule games this weekend is a clear overstep.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: sports fans will have plenty to watch and discuss this Saturday, even if it comes with a side of scheduling drama.
