The Buffalo Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving night this season, and there’s an interesting twist to this matchup. Typically, CBS airs this game since both teams are in the AFC, and it’s usually broadcast at 4:25 p.m. during the regular season. Additionally, this game often appears in the playoffs, as CBS has the rights to the AFC title game and other postseason matchups.
Jim Nantz Stated How he Feels About Not Calling the Chiefs vs. Bills This Year
However, this year the game will air on NBC, meaning Bills fans will miss the familiar play-by-play commentary from CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz and analyst Tony Romo. Nantz recently shared his thoughts about not being able to call the Bills vs. Chiefs game this season in an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina.
“That’s the rivalry of its time. But, you know, you’re not gonna get it every year. So, I’m O.K. with it. I have faith we’re going to get a very good schedule,” Nantz said on Thursday. “I kind of had a sinking feeling that one of these years somebody else was gonna get the chance to have that great matchup. It’s O.K.”
It’s going to feel strange not hearing Nantz say his iconic phrase, “Hello Friends,” at the start of the Chiefs vs. Bills game, a catchphrase we’ve all grown accustomed to over the years. Yet, the game should still be fantastic, as NBC’s play-by-play commentator Mike Tirico will be on the call, and he’s truly one of the best in the business.
What Game Nantz Would Like Now Since He Won’t Call Chiefs vs. Bills
Since Nantz won’t be on the call for the Chiefs vs. Bills game, he mentioned that he’s looking forward to getting a close-up view of the Broncos this season. He also hopes to have the chance to announce a game featuring the San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver.
“I’ve looked at the opponents’ schedule so many times to know the matchups that are out there, and I still play it kind of by the old rules of the AFC network travels with the AFC team. But all bets are off on that now because there’s so many crossflexes,” Nantz added.
“I know, for example, that Denver is gonna have a very, very attractive schedule. There’s a game that, again, going on the old basis of traveling with the AFC team, I know there’s a Denver game at San Francisco. I’d love to have that. I haven’t done a game in that stadium.”
There Could be Another Few More Changes to This Matchup
CBS not having the Chiefs-Bills game isn’t the only thing that will be different about the matchup. There’s also a scenario where Kansas City’s star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, might not be on the field. Mahomes is currently recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered on Dec. 14, and if by some chance he isn’t ready by Thanksgiving, he could potentially miss the game.
This season, the Bills will also be stepping into their new stadium, giving fans their first opportunity to watch Buffalo go head-to-head with Kansas City in its new home.
Jim Nantz Reveals Feelings on Losing Bills vs. Chiefs Assignment