Totals and point spreads are a common part of the conversation around football on most networks. That isn’t the case on NFL Network, but Rich Eisen told Dan Patrick that the network is at least acknowledging that it is information viewers are interested in.
Dan Patrick pointed out on his FOX Sports Radio show on Friday that the game between the Browns and Ravens that Eisen will call on Saturday had an over/under of 38. That is when the NFL Network star admitted that was not information he needed to have. The network has softened its position on acknowledging gamblers, but it still isn’t something that any hosts or analysts will be talking about.
“We’re getting close,” he said. “It’s on the bottom line. That information is now only on the graphics.”
In explaining the practice to Patrick, Rich Eisen referenced another former ESPN co-worker. He said that the NFL Network treats gambling info the way Chris Berman did in his old Swami segments.
“There would always be that arrow, that carrot that was next to a team on the screen, even if that wasn’t the team Chris was predicting to win.”
The most Eisen would comment on the total was that with Lamar Jackson not playing for the Ravens and the ineffectiveness of Deshaun Watson to be a difference maker in his two games with the Browns, points would be at a premium.
He didn’t dismiss the idea that the network’s stance may change someday. After all, NFL Network is a league-owned entity and the league itself has official gambling partners.
For now though, Rich Eisen says, “we’re working our way up from that scroll.”
