Chargers-Chiefs opening on split screens in LA and KC drew criticism from CBS

The Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts game on Sunday was intense. With two seconds left, the Browns forced and recovered a fumble, and that’s when it was determined.

The game went on longer than expected, which resulted in an odd and contentious broadcast from CBS in Kansas City and Los Angeles.

The Indianapolis game started at the same time as two other CBS games: the Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs. The local affiliates of the subsequent games would typically cut away from the earlier game in a scenario like that. On Sunday, that occurred, but it also did not.

WFRV in Green Bay and KCNC in Denver, two CBS stations, cut away from the Indianapolis game to display the Packers and Broncos on a big screen. However, it was not the case for the Los Angeles and Kansas City CBS stations, KCSB and KCTV, respectively. There was a split screen for the Chargers and Chiefs home markets.

And it wasn’t just a case of CBS sticking with the game to see a Hail Mary or game-winning field goal attempt, interfering with the first one or two plays of the second game. After playing in Kansas City for roughly half of the first quarter, the Browns were able to seal the victory in Indianapolis.

CBS finally cut away in Los Angeles and Kansas City with 7:42 left in the first quarter, displaying the Chargers and Chiefs on a full screen.

The Browns and Colts game concluded on full screen in neutral markets; Kansas City was not shown until the Indianapolis game was concluded. In certain “neutral” cities, teams like the Chiefs are the undisputed best team and have a sizable fan following. Nevertheless, it is a wise choice to concentrate on the conclusion of a close game in neutral markets.

However, splitting the screen between Los Angeles and Kansas City to watch the Chargers and Chiefs? It was a controversial decision.