Week 16 of the NFL season is here, and the playoff race is heating up. Out of the 14 available playoff spots, seven have already been claimed, and this weekend could see several more secured. As the race for postseason positions tightens, fans are in for an exciting weekend of football.
This week, the NFL schedule will have a slight twist. In addition to the usual Thursday, Sunday, and Monday games, there will also be a Saturday doubleheader featuring the Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens. These matchups come with significant playoff implications, making for a highly anticipated weekend of football.
Tom Brady Calling Week 16 Action
Despite the schedule shake-up, one thing remains constant: Tom Brady will be in the booth calling a game for Fox this weekend. Brady has consistently called Fox's top game each week, and for Week 16, he will be covering an important AFC North clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. This game, held in Baltimore, is part of the Saturday doubleheader.
Brady will be joined in the booth by Kevin Burkhardt, with Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi reporting from the sidelines. This "Brady Crew" has been a fixture throughout the season, and they’ll continue their coverage for this crucial matchup.
AFC North Showdown with Playoff Implications
The Ravens vs. Steelers game holds massive significance in the AFC North standings and the overall AFC playoff picture. The Steelers currently have a one-game lead over the Ravens in the division. A win for Baltimore would tie both teams at 10-5, but Pittsburgh would still hold onto first place in the division due to their superior conference record. A Ravens victory would intensify the AFC North race as the season heads into its final two weeks.
Week 16 Broadcast Schedule
Fox will broadcast six key games during Week 16, focusing on divisional matchups and crucial NFC contests. Here’s the full schedule:
Steelers vs. Ravens: Tom Brady, Kevin Burkhardt, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi — Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
Giants vs. Falcons: Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin — Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Lions vs. Bears: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Megan Olivi — Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Eagles vs. Commanders: Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver — Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Cardinals vs. Panthers: Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth, Jen Hale — Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Vikings vs. Seahawks: Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez, Kristina Pink — Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Tom Brady’s Contract
After retiring from playing football, Brady signed a lucrative 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports to become one of their lead NFL commentators. In his first year in the booth, Brady has called 15 games. As the regular season winds down, he is set to call his first-ever playoff game, a momentous occasion after participating in 48 postseason games as a player.
With the NFL season heading into the final weeks, Brady's transition into the broadcast booth has been a notable one, with his insights and analysis offering a new dimension to Fox’s coverage. As the playoff race continues to heat up, Brady will be right there calling the action for fans across the country.