NFL Philadelphia Eagles VS Houston Texans: The Pain Of The NFL Network

Each year there are games that I look forward to watching with great anticipation.  This time of year is when this really kicks into gear, as teams are now fighting for postseason play, division titles or even pride for a bad season.

The Philadelphia Eagles face the Houston Texans on Thursday night.  The Eagles and the Texans are two of my favorite teams to watch, as both have explosive talent. 

Not only are highlight reels promised with guys like Michael Vick, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy on the field, but this matchup is vital to each team. 

The Eagles find themselves in a race with the New York Giants for the NFC East, while the Texans still have a shot in the unpredictable AFC South where all four teams have a chance to win it.

I should be excited for this primetime clash of fun and talented teams, but I'm not. 

The game is on the NFL Network.

My cable provider does not carry the NFL Network nor an option to get it.  The two can't come to terms.  My cable company has an exclusive contract for where I live, so I also have no option to get a provider that does offer it.

I understand the NFL is a business and has a right to try and make money however they please.  It doesn't change the feeling of being ripped off, however, when I'm in a situation such as this one at least a few times per year. 

I'm certain the NFL gets enough out of programming rights, advertising, sponsors and merchandise to buy more than a few Christmas presents.  Add in the fines handed out this year from helmet-to-helmet hits, fistfights and whatever else the commish opts to rule and it begins to stink even more to me.

Business decisions are the only things keeping me from enjoying this game on my television screen, and not even my own business decisions.  I feel as if a hot game is being held hostage by the NFL and Charter.

I live in a city full of sports bars, so finding somewhere to watch the game shouldn't be a problem, right? 

Wrong. 

Most of these bars don't carry NFL Network, either, also due to cable provider deals or the cost of the programming.  Again, the business decisions of others keeps me from enjoying the game where I want to, or might like to.

It's almost enough to take the excitement out of it for me. 

It simply shouldn't take a trip through so much red tape and business decisions made by people who wear suits that cost more than my living room TV for me to watch one lone NFL game.