1978 NFL Season
As originally written by Jimmy Delach and Tim Brulia:
The NFL becomes the billion dollar league with a new four year contract in place with the status quo networks. The NFL also increases the number of regular season games from 14 to 16. A second wild card is added to each conference, which in turn adds an additional playoff game. No real changes are seen for CBS and NBC for the next four years, but ABC will increase its portion with 16 Monday night games, AND four additional primetime games, either on Thursday nights or Sunday nights.
*=uncertain; any confirmation help is necessary.
PRESEASON
Saturday 7/29: Dolphins-Eagles (Canton, OH - Hall of Fame Game), 3:30, ABC. Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
Saturday 8/12: Cowboys-Broncos, 3:00, CBS. Pat Summerall, Sonny Jurgensen, Irv Cross
Friday 8/18: Vikings-Dolphins, 9:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
Sunday 8/20: Raiders-49ers, 4:00, NBC. Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Friday 8/25: 49ers-Broncos, 9:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
Saturday 8/26: Rams-Raiders, 9:00, NBC. Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Sunday 8/27: Browns-Patriots, 1:45, CBS. Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Sonny Jurgensen
WEEK 1, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 9/2:
Giants-Buccaneers, 8, WCBS-New York, Steve Albert, Nick Buoniconti
Sunday 9/3:
Packers-Lions, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Oilers-Falcons, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Chiefs-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Rams-Eagles, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, Tom Brookshier
Dolphins-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Vikings-Saints, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Johnny Unitas
Steelers-Bills, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner
49ers-Browns, 1, CBS, Bill Mazer, Tom Matte
Redskins-Patriots, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Hank Stram
Cardinals-Bears, 2, CBS, Bob Costas, Johnny Morris
Raiders-Broncos, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Chargers-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Marv Albert, Bob Trumpy
Monday 9/4:
Colts-Cowboys, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 2, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 9/9:
Lions-Buccaneers, 8, WJBK-Detroit, Ray Lane, Charley Neal
Sunday 9/10:
Bengals-Browns, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Cowboys-Giants, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Tom Brookshier, Sonny Jurgensen
Saints-Packers (Milwaukee), 1, CBS, Bill Mazer, Hank Stram, Nick Buoniconti
Eagles-Redskins, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung, Roman Gabriel
Seahawks-Steelers, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Mike Haffner
Oilers-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Marv Albert, Ed Podolak
Falcons-Rams, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen
Bears-49ers, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Morris
Dolphins-Colts, 4, NBC, Stu Nahan, Bob Trumpy
Patriots-Cardinals, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Jets-Bills, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Raiders-Chargers, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Monday 9/11:
Broncos-Vikings, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 3, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/17:
Bears-Lions, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Morris
Browns-Falcons, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Chiefs-Giants, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Steelers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Seahawks-Jets, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Bob Trumpy
Raiders-Packers, 2, NBC, Sam Nover, Len Dawson
Eagles-Saints, 2, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
49ers-Oilers, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Buccaneers-Vikings, 2, CBS, Jim Thacker, Tom Matte
Redskins-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Bills-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Stu Nahan, Paul Maguire
Cowboys-Rams, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Sonny Jurgensen, Frank Glieber
Chargers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner
Monday 9/18:
Colts-Patriots, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 4, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/24:
Colts-Bills, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Bob Trumpy
Browns-Steelers, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Rams-Oilers, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Dolphins-Eagles, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Saints-Bengals, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Jets-Redskins, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Broncos-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Falcons-Buccaneers, 4, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Unitas
Lions-Seahawks, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Bill Mazer
Packers-Chargers, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Cardinals-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Sonny Jurgensen
49ers-Giants, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Tom Matte
Patriots-Raiders, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
Monday 9/25:
Vikings-Bears, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 5, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/1:
Oilers-Browns, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Chiefs-Bills, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Ed Podolak
Vikings-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Paul Hornung, Johnny Unitas
Giants-Falcons, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Tom Brookshier, Sonny Jurgensen
Steelers-Jets, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Bob Trumpy
Cardinals-Dolphins, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram, Nick Buoniconti
Chargers-Patriots, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Lions-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Bob Costas, Johnny Morris
Rams-Saints, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, George Allen, Jim Brown
Eagles-Colts, 2, CBS, Tim Ryan, Tom Matte, Roman Gabriel
Bengals-49ers, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Raiders-Bears, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Seahawks-Broncos, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner
Monday 10/2:
Cowboys-Redskins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 6, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/8:
Falcons-Steelers, 1, CBS, Bob Costas, Tom Matte
Bills-Jets, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Ed Podolak
Eagles-Patriots, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Redskins-Lions, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Nick Buoniconti
Colts-Cardinals, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Bears-Packers, 2, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Morris
Browns-Saints, 2, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Buccaneers-Chiefs, 2, CBS, Jim Thacker, Roman Gabriel
Broncos-Chargers, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Oilers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Vikings-Seahawks, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Giants-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
49ers-Rams, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Monday 10/9:
Bengals-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 7, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/15:
Lions-Falcons, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Patriots-Bengals, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Bob Trumpy
Steelers-Browns, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Seahawks-Packers (Milwaukee), 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Buccaneers-Giants, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen
Redskins-Eagles, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Tom Matte, Johnny Unitas
Bills-Oilers, 2, WKBW-Buffalo, Rick Azar, Paul Maguire
Cowboys-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Jets-Colts, 2, WPIX-New York, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Chiefs-Raiders, 4, KMBC-Kansas City, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner
Rams-Vikings, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Dolphins-Chargers, 4, WCKT-Miami, Marv Albert, John Brodie
Saints-49ers, 4, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Monday 10/16:
Bears-Broncos, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 8, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader
Sunday 10/22:
Bears-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Morris
Bengals-Bills, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Cardinals-Jets, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen, Nick Buoniconti
Chargers-Lions, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Redskins-Giants, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Browns-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Packers-Vikings, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Eagles-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tom Matte, Bill Mazer
Falcons-49ers, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Broncos-Colts, 4, NBC, Marv Albert, Mike Haffner
Dolphins-Patriots, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Saints-Rams, 4, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Raiders-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Monday 10/23:
Oilers-Steelers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
WEEK 9, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader:
Thursday 10/26:
Vikings-Cowboys, 8:30, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
Sunday 10/29:
Bills-Browns, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Bob Trumpy
Oilers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Ed Podolak
Chiefs-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Jets-Patriots, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Cardinals-Eagles, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
49ers-Redskins, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Lions-Bears, 2, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Morris, Bill Mazer
Giants-Saints, 2, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Buccaneers-Packers, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Colts-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Broncos-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Chargers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Sam Nover, Len Dawson
Monday 10/30:
Rams-Falcons, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
WEEK 10, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/5:
Lions-Vikings, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Packers-Eagles, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Sonny Jurgensen
Patriots-Bills, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Len Dawson
Saints-Steelers, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Hank Stram
Giants-Cardinals, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
49ers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Unitas
Seahawks-Bears, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Browns-Oilers, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Raiders-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Ed Podolak
Bengals-Chargers, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Bob Trumpy
Cowboys-Dolphins, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Jets-Broncos, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Buccaneers-Rams, 4, CBS, Bob Costas, Tom Matte
Monday 11/6:
Redskins-Colts, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 11, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/12:
Broncos-Browns, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Oilers-Patriots, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Dolphins-Bills, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Giants-Redskins, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Jets-Eagles, 1, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Buccaneers-Lions, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen
Falcons-Saints, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tom Matte
Bears-Vikings, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Colts-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Stu Nahan, Ed Podolak
Cowboys-Packers (Milwaukee), 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Chiefs-Chargers, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner
Cardinals-49ers, 4, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Steelers-Rams, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
Monday 11/13:
Raiders-Bengals, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 12, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/19:
Bills-Buccaneers, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Bob Trumpy
Patriots-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Eagles-Giants, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen
Cardinals-Redskins, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Chargers-Vikings, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Falcons-Bears, 2, CBS, Tim Ryan, Johnny Morris
Browns-Colts, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Saints-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Roman Gabriel
Seahawks-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Bengals-Steelers, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Lions-Raiders, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Packers-Broncos, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Rams-49ers, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Monday 11/20:
Dolphins-Oilers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
WEEK 13, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader:
Thursday 11/23:
Broncos-Lions, 12:30, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Redskins-Cowboys, 3:30, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Sunday 11/26:
Rams-Browns, 1, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Saints-Falcons, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Hank Stram
Giants-Bills, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Jets-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Vikings-Packers, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Eagles-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen
Chargers-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner
Buccaneers-Bears, 2, CBS, Bob Costas, Johnny Morris
Bengals-Oilers, 4, NBC, Sam Nover, Bob Trumpy
Patriots-Colts, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Seahawks-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Monday 11/27:
Steelers-49ers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 14, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 12/3:
Falcons-Bengals, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Colts-Jets, 1, NBC, Marv Albert, Paul Maguire
Packers-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Rams-Giants, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Frank Glieber
Dolphins-Redskins, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Bills-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Mike Haffner
Lions-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Tim Ryan, Nick Buoniconti
Eagles-Vikings, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen
49ers-Saints, 2, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Browns-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Patriots-Cowboys, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Steelers-Oilers, 4, NBC, Sam Nover, Len Dawson
Broncos-Raiders, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
Monday 12/4:
Bears-Chargers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 15, 1978 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/9:
Colts-Steelers, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie, Mike Adamle
Vikings-Lions, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Sunday 12/10:
Bills-Patriots, 1, NBC, Sam Nover, Mike Haffner
Cowboys-Eagles, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Jets-Browns, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, John Brodie
Cardinals-Giants, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Redskins-Falcons, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen
Packers-Bears, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Oilers-Saints, 4, NBC, Marv Albert, Ed Podolak
Chiefs-Broncos, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Raiders-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Seahawks-Chargers, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Buccaneers-49ers, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Morris
Monday 12/11:
Bengals-Rams, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
NOTE: John Brodie was substituting for Len Dawson alongside Charlie Jones for the Jets-Browns game due to Dawson mourning the death of his wife.
WEEK 16, 1978 - CBS Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/16:
Bears-Redskins, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Steelers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen, Mike Haffner
Sunday 12/17:
Browns-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Paul Warfield
Cowboys-Jets, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tom Matte
Saints-Buccaneers, 1, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram
Giants-Eagles, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
49ers-Lions, 1, CBS, Tim Ryan, Roman Gabriel
Falcons-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Sonny Jurgensen
Bills-Colts, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Packers-Rams, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Paul Hornung
Chiefs-Seahawks, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Ed Podolak
Vikings-Raiders, 4, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
Chargers-Oilers, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie
Monday 12/18:
Patriots-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
WILD CARD GAMES:
Sunday 12/24:
Eagles-Falcons, 12:30, CBS, Gary Bender, Hank Stram, Irv Cross
Oilers-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Dick Enberg, Len Dawson
DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:
Saturday 12/30:
Broncos-Steelers, 12:30, NBC, Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen
Falcons-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Unitas
Sunday 12/31:
Oilers-Patriots, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Vikings-Rams, 5, CBS, Vin Scully, George Allen, Jim Brown
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Sunday 1/7:
Oilers-Steelers, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie, Merlin Olsen, Mike Adamle
Cowboys-Rams, 5, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Frank Glieber
SUPER BOWL XIII from Miami:
Sunday 1/21: Steelers-Cowboys, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, John Brodie, Merlin Olsen, Dick Enberg
PRO BOWL from Los Angeles:
Monday 1/29: NFC-AFC, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Jim Lampley, Dave Diles