In an unexpected twist ahead of the NFL playoffs, NBC has confirmed a major broadcast change that was first hinted at by CBS commentator Tony Romo. The change, which has sent ripples through the broadcasting world, was revealed during Romo’s commentary on CBS’ coverage of the Wild Card Weekend. The revelation comes as NBC prepares to broadcast an earlier playoff game than usual.

Maria Taylor at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.

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Maria Taylor will have an earlier start Sunday with NBC’s playoff game kicking off at 3 pm ETCredit: Getty

Four NFL analysts at a Football Night in America taping.
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The Major Broadcast Change

NBC will air the division round clash between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, but with a significant twist—the game will kick off at 3 p.m. ET, a departure from the usual primetime Sunday night broadcast schedule. Typically, NBC’s Sunday Night Football starts after 8 p.m. ET, with Football Night in America on the air from 7 p.m. to build up to the game. However, this Sunday, the pregame show will begin at an unusually early time of 2 p.m. ET, with Maria Taylor and the crew hosting the show earlier than fans are accustomed to.

Romo’s Leak During CBS Broadcast

The news of NBC’s schedule change was ‘leaked’ earlier than anticipated by Tony Romo, who was commenting on CBS during the Wild Card Weekend game. As the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback looked ahead to the upcoming playoffs, he couldn’t help but express his excitement for the game between Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills in the division round.

In a moment that many now believe was more of a slip-up than a well-guarded secret, Romo casually mentioned to his co-commentator Jim Nantz, “Two MVP candidates playing the best football of their career. It’s a coin flip to me… I can’t wait to do that game with you next week, buddy.”

While Nantz laughed off Romo’s comment, it became clear that Romo was either hinting at or unknowingly revealing details about the upcoming schedule before it had been officially announced. His enthusiasm for calling the game between Jackson and Allen was palpable, and it turns out, his excitement was well-founded.

Saturday, January 18
4:30 p.m. ET – Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs (ESPN/ABC)
8:00 p.m. ET – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions (Fox)

Sunday, January 19
3:00 p.m. ET – Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles (NBC)
6:30 p.m. ET – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (CBS)

As per the revised schedule, CBS will air the Ravens vs. Bills game, with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call. Despite Romo’s apparent “leak,” CBS is set to host this marquee showdown, which many consider one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the playoffs.

NBC’s Response to the Change

NBC has not officially commented on Romo’s slip, but the network is clearly prepared for the earlier start time and revamped schedule. With a 3 p.m. ET kickoff for the Rams vs. Eagles game, NBC has adjusted its Football Night in America to fit the earlier timeslot. The network has been making adjustments behind the scenes to ensure the broadcast flows smoothly despite the shift.

What’s Next for the NFL Broadcast Landscape?

The leak and subsequent changes signal a growing trend in the broadcasting world, where major networks are becoming more flexible with their programming schedules to better fit viewer preferences and align with major matchups. As the NFL playoffs intensify, fans can expect even more surprises, with networks like NBC and CBS working to deliver the best possible coverage of the games.

With the stakes higher than ever, the pressure is on for both NBC and CBS to keep fans engaged with high-quality broadcasts. And for Tony Romo, it looks like his prediction—or slip—may have just led to one of the most highly anticipated matchups in NFL playoff history.

As the division round approaches, fans will be eagerly tuning in, not only to see who emerges victorious but to see how the broadcast networks continue to handle this thrilling season of NFL football.