Big Markets vs. Big Players

[Sapper]

Who gets the edge in the modern NFL? (As per league empathy and the majority of the calls).

4 teams left. 3 of the smallest markets and 1 of the biggest. The biggest being the biggest underdog.

Would a superstar (like Manning, or Favre) in the Superbowl outweigh the added viewership a big market team like the Cowboys would bring?

Did it just happen coincidentally or are media-driven story-lines now bigger than large market franchises?

Or did it ever matter?

Just want to know everyones opinion.

[carpanfan96]

With the last 4 teams in right now, the NFL can do no wrong ratings wise.

You either have Manning vs Brees or Manning vs Farve/ Jet's vs Bree's or Jet's vs Farve.

A win/win situation for the NFL pocket wise. If they preferred one, it probably be Jet's vs Farve.

[panthers55]

Who gets the edge in the modern NFL? (As per league empathy and the majority of the calls).

4 teams left. 3 of the smallest markets and 1 of the biggest. The biggest being the biggest underdog.

Would a superstar (like Manning, or Favre) in the Superbowl outweigh the added viewership a big market team like the Cowboys would bring?

Did it just happen coincidentally or are media-driven story-lines now bigger than large market franchises?

Or did it ever matter?

Just want to know everyones opinion.

I don't think the size of the market matters at this point. The story lines are about players not where they are located or their fan base. Is is about the Favre versus Brees, Manning versus Rex Ryan's predictions and the Jets defense.

With the Super Bowl being a global event these days it transcends a market. By the time the game starts in a few weeks every possible angle and story line will have been dissected and put under a microscope.

[Khyber53]

The market for the Super Bowl isn't like any other game of the year. It's watched throughout the country (and abroad) and reaches into many households that never watch another game of football in a year. Who plays in the game isn't nearly as important to the NFL, the hosting network and the advertisers as that the game is just played and broadcast.

30 years ago, the market size of the teams playing actually did make a ratings difference. Nowadays, the Super Bowl is as close to being a national holiday as something could be without bank closings.

[Sapper]

Right, it just seems like about 10 years ago, the talk revolved around the biggest market teams making the biggest game. I think you're right in the game has become so big that only the story lines really matter anymore.

Imagine a Saints / Colts Superbowl back in the mid-90s though. I think the media folks would be shaking in their boots over those ratings. Today, they would welcome them with open arms.