Approximately 44% of National Football League (NFL) teams earn a spot in the playoffs each year, a highly competitive process that spans 18 weeks to whittle down the league from 32 teams to just 14. Amidst the vast landscape of sports broadcasting, there exist countless announcers vying for a coveted spot in the industry. However, only a select few — six announcer teams, to be precise — will have the opportunity to call the NFL playoffs. Ascending to the apex of the broadcasting world is no easy feat; it requires a combination of fortuitous circumstances, networking with the right individuals, and possessing a unique talent that distinguishes one from the rest.
In a field where retired players and established personalities are increasingly transitioning into broadcasting roles, the chances of breaking into the industry become even slimmer. Consequently, when the playoff schedule is unveiled, it is not uncommon to see recognizable names among the chosen few. These individuals represent the pinnacle of their profession, showcasing enduring success in an arena that offers no guarantees beyond the present moment.
As the journey to Super Bowl 59 unfolds, CBS sets the stage for the postseason with one of the two games they will broadcast over the upcoming weekend. Joining them at the proverbial table are stalwarts such as NBC, Fox, and ESPN, while Amazon emerges as a newcomer in the arena of NFL broadcasting. The streaming platform has secured rights to air a playoff game exclusively on Prime Video, featuring their regular “Thursday Night Football” lineup.
The question on everyone’s mind is: which broadcasters have made the cut for the playoffs and where will they be stationed for the wild card weekend? Let’s delve into the announcer schedule for this crucial phase of the NFL postseason.
NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Weekend Announcer Schedule
**Saturday, January 11**
– Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn
– Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, 8 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video
Announcers: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung
**Sunday, January 12**
– Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, Jay Feely
– Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi
– Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8 p.m. ET, NBC
Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark
**Monday, January 13**
– Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters
