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If Pats Win, So Do Networks, NFL

Super Bowl ratings would be even better than normal

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 18, 2008 12:59 PM CST

(Newser) – Sorry, San Diego, but the NFL is rooting for the Patriots. New England and its pursuit of perfection have racked up historic ratings all season: the Patriots' final regular-season game was the most watched TV program of the season, and the highest-rated NFL game since 1995.  If they beat the Chargers, Fox might wind up with the most watched Super Bowl of all time, MarketWatch reports.

Either potential Pats opponent would be money in the bank for Fox. It’s hard to go wrong with the Giants, who would have major underdog appeal and a built-in bonanza in the New York market. But NFL marketing types are really salivating over a Packers-Patriots matchup, pitting ageless Sportsman of the Year Brett Favre against MVP Tom Brady.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre reacts to a touchdown during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. Odds are good that a couple people at least would tune in to watch a Favre vs....
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre reacts to a touchdown during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis....   (Associated Press)
Sorry, Norv. Your Chargers are the team no one wants to see in the Super Bowl. Outside of San Diego, anyway. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Sorry, Norv. Your Chargers are the team no one wants to see in the Super Bowl. Outside of San Diego, anyway. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (10) congratulates teammate Wes Welker (83) after his touchdown catch in the second half of a nNFL divisional playoff football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
New England Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (10) congratulates teammate Wes Welker (83) after his touchdown catch in the second half of a nNFL divisional playoff football game against the Jacksonville...   (Associated Press)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk rushes with the ball past Jacksonville Jaguars' Justin Durant in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk rushes with the ball past Jacksonville Jaguars' Justin Durant in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008 in Foxborough,...   (Associated Press)
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television • NFL • New England Patriots • Brett Favre • Green Bay Packers • New York Giants • Tom Brady • TV ratings • San Diego Chargers

 
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