Mike Francesa criticizes NFL pregame show formats on his podcast
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 2:00 PM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
Mike Francesa criticized the current state of NFL pregame shows during his podcast on Friday. He described the programs as clown acts, specifically taking issue with the tendency of hosts to stand around and simulate plays rather than providing substantive analysis. While he did not single out a specific network or show, he expressed disdain for the general format used by major broadcasters. Despite his dissatisfaction with pregame coverage, Francesa reaffirmed his interest in the league's afternoon games. He noted that he remains a proponent of the NFL RedZone channel and the early afternoon window of action often referred to as the witching hour. Francesa indicated he will not be viewing pregame programming on Fox, CBS, or ESPN ahead of Sunday's slate of games.
- •Mike Francesa voiced his disapproval of NFL pregame shows during his podcast on September 13.
- •He characterized modern pregame segments as clown acts that lack informative content.
- •The former radio host criticized the practice of analysts simulating plays while standing on air.
- •Francesa stated he prefers watching the Sunday afternoon games, specifically citing the league's witching hour.
- •He confirmed he does not intend to watch pregame coverage from major sports networks this Sunday.
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Mike Francesa blasts NFL pregame shows as ‘clown acts’
"Mike Francesa is not a fan of the current state of NFL pregame shows. While going through his “Francesa Five” picks on his eponymous podcast on Friday, Francesa took a swipe at pregame shows. He did not point out one pregame show in particular, but seemed against the general practice of them in their current…
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