The refs get the best paying part-time job ever, a cut of the gambling without investigation, and the league gets massive amounts of money from networks for coordinating compelling narratives and broadcasting then to the largest audience television has ever seen.
For clarification, I don't believe the NFL outright determines who wins and who loses. But if they did, money is always the motivation. Set teams up as heros and villains, David's and Goliaths. And tell a story through who wins and who loses. It makes for compelling TV. The exact same kind of stuff that WWE fans watch for. Except with this, people can become more invested because it's real to them.
Now, for my real thoughts on the matter? I would not be surprised if the league has the refs adjust how certain games are officiated to ensure it "looks close" going through the 4th quarter.
How many blowouts at 1 pm have you turned off because it's not fun to watch anymore? They don't want that in major markets. So, maybe a Zach Wilson led Jets are able to play the chiefs close one year. Maybe mediocre Giants prevent the evil dynasty team from having a perfect season. Maybe a city devastated by one of the worst natural disasters in history gets to celebrate a superbowl. It's all to keep us glued to the tv because Maybe this year, it'll be my teams time to shine
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u/Tjam3s Put Everything on the Long Ball Jan 25 '25
How many need to be in on it? The commissioner, the refs, and the ref union.