Even a defensive struggle couldn’t hurt the Super Bowl ratings last year, as the Broncos’ 24-10 victory over the Panthers drew 111.9 million viewers, the third most all-time. Super Bowl LI, meanwhile, is a potential shootout, Tom Brady’s Patriots against Matt Ryan’s Falcons in Houston, giving this year’s showdown a chance to set all-time records, especially with fans thirsty for excitement after a mostly boring postseason.
But this day isn’t just about football. There is plenty on television.
Here’s The Post’s viewer’s guide for Super Bowl Sunday:
What better way to start the day if you’re a Patriots fan than reliving “The Tuck Rule” game on ESPN2? This was the beginning of the Patriots dynasty, the 2001 AFC divisional round playoff game when a Tom Brady fumble was reversed, leading to New England’s thrilling victory and eventual Super Bowl title. Raiders fans, turn away.
Your entire day doesn’t have to be about football. ESPN Classic will be showing the “30 for 30” documentary “Jordan Rides the Bus,” about Michael Jordan’s attempt at playing professional baseball.
FOX’s pregame coverage starts in a few hours, but make sure you spend some time on ESPN for its “Postseason NFL Countdown” special. Giants All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and former Jets and Bills coach Rex Ryan will be guest analysts. Maybe Beckham will explain what was behind that trip to Miami the week before Big Blue’s postseason loss, while Ryan is always good for a few outlandish statements. After all, he may be auditioning for a full-time TV gig.
For the cat enthusiasts out there, you now have an alternative to the Puppy Bowl. The Hallmark Channel will be airing “Kitten Bowl IV,” adorable felines pouncing on a toy football on a tiny football field. Join animal advocate Beth Stern, the wife of shock radio personality Howard Stern, four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Boomer Esiason and reporter Mary Carillo for all the catfight fun. But if you are in the mood to laugh, put on YES, where the woeful Nets host the Raptors. There are sure to be a ton of points scored, mostly by Toronto.
You can only handle so much Super Bowl hype, so why not flip over to CBS to get your hoops fix for the day? Tenth-ranked Wisconsin hosts Indiana, which could use the victory to boost its NCAA Tournament résumé. Badgers sophomore Ethan Happ is an All-American candidate and one of the country’s most well-rounded forwards.
FOX’s four-and-a-half hours of pregame festivities begin, featuring co-hosts Terry Bradshaw and Curt Menefee, and analysts Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson, along with NFL insider Jay Glazer and rules analyst Mike Pereira. They always are good for a few laughs, and maybe even some insight. But you also have plenty of time to get your fill, giving you a chance to check in on the Rangers on MSG, as they host the Flames hoping to snap their recent struggles at the Garden.
The kittens had their turn three hours ago, but now canines take center stage with “Puppy Bowl XIII” on Animal Planet. It will pit Team Ruff against Team Fluff in a battle for the inaugural Petco Lombarky trophy, featuring rescue animals from 34 different animal shelters and rescue organizations from 22 states. If you can’t tear yourself away from pregame coverage, check back in later. Animal Planet will re-air the show the entire day.
This could be more entertaining than the game. President Donald Trump will have a sit down interview with Bill O’Reilly as part of FOX’s pregame show from The White House. Hate him or love him, the 45th commander-in-chief always is sure to make news. Maybe he even will offer up a prediction of the big game.
By now, FOX’s endless pregame show has grown tiresome, one Tom Brady piece after another. Fortunately, AMC has the perfect antidote: “The Walking Dead” marathon. There’s no better time to get reacquainted with the hit show.
It’s finally, mercifully, time for kickoff. Be sure to get to FOX promptly for the national anthem, sung by country music star Luke Bryan, and some actual football.
A “Cops” marathon will be airing on Spike TV. The Super Bowl can’t be worse, can it?
Even if the game is boring, the halftime show often isn’t. The outspoken and unpredictable Lady Gaga, with the help of good friend and frequent collaborator Tony Bennett, takes center stage this year. There are also rumors Beyoncé could be involved, after Lady Gaga posted a bee emoji in an Instagram comment. There’s only one way to find out.
If the postseason was any indication, we may be in for a snoozefest. If that’s the case, you can always entertain yourself with an episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” on USA. At least be prepared for when the Patriots are up three touchdowns in the third quarter.
Barring overtime, we will have a Super Bowl champion. You can find postgame coverage anywhere, but stick with FOX. After the festivities, you will be treated to the “24: Legacy” premiere. There is no Kiefer Sutherland this time, but it can’t be worse than hearing the same tired clichés about dreams coming true. You’re welcome.
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