In a press release, CBS and the NFL said, “CBS will broadcast the first eight Thursday Night Football games which also will be simulcast on the NFL Network. NFL Network will also exclusively televise eight games in the run-up to the playoffs. The mix of games will include 14 on Thursday nights and two late-season games on Saturday.
“The full slate of 16 regular-season games will be produced by CBS with its lead broadcasters and production team on all Thursday night games. The pregame, halftime and postgame shows will continue to feature NFL Network and CBS Sports hosts and analysts.
“The agreement is for the 2015 season with an additional year at the NFL’s option.”
According to the Boston Globe, “The eight Thursday Night Football games that aired on CBS and were simulcast on the NFL Network (in Weeks 2-8 and 16) ended up as the top-rated and most-watched programs on prime-time television on that night across all networks this season.
“The overwhelming loyalty of NFL viewers — even when a pattern of suspense-free games emerges — enhanced CBS’s desire to retain the Thursday night package beyond this season.
“[Last] February, CBS paid a reported $275 million rights fee for the 2014 season. Multiple networks would have lined up to steal the package had it become available.”
Good for CBS ratings but very bad for Football. The NFL has to put more effort into scheduling to assure that players are getting enough rest and time to prepare. Thursday games following a Sunday game are some of the most mediocre games of the season. There needs to be more effort to coordinate these properly around bye weeks and assure that both teams have the same rest and preparation.