There’s an underrated reason why football is king of the ratings.
Each new set of downs, and almost every snap, represents its own mini-drama. The decision to pass or run, to stack the box or protect against the pass, to go for a first down on third-and-2 or try to trick the defense with a bomb into one-on-one coverage — it all lends itself to compelling television and an immersive fan experience.
Baseball has that, too. In the bigger picture of a 162-game season, the drama feels less consequential than in the NFL.
But there’s a story of strategy built around each at-bat. Before a 2-1 pitch, for instance, you’re wondering if he should give the batter something in the zone or make him chase.
