Patriots figure to be huge draw for TV networks in 2018

Gregory Payan/AP

In not-so-shocking news, the Patriots are going to be in high demand for TV networks that broadcast NFL games in 2018.

A report from Sports Business Journal's John Ourand says that the Patriots, along with the Cowboys, Steelers, Packers and Eagles are the most sought after teams for networks to feature. 

NBC will try and put the Patriots on Sunday Night Football as much as its allowed, while ESPN is looking to broadcast more divisional games on Monday Night Football. There are obviously a number of Patriots games ESPN can pick from in that regard.

CBS is the primary network for AFC games, so the Patriots will obviously have games broadcast there.

However, now that FOX is the home of Thursday Night Football, it is looking to have a strong line up of games after many fans have complained that the match ups are bad. The network is reportedly willing to take some big Sunday games and move them to Thursday night in an effort to generate more interest. The Patriots have some intriguing match ups against the NFC North, so it's possible we could see one of those games on a Thursday night.

Ourand also reports that the Patriots likely won't play on Thanksgiving. New England is scheduled to go to Detroit next season to play the Lions, but the NFL feels the Pats are too strong an opponent for the early time slot.

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