NFL plans historic telecast Saturday night

NEW YORK, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- The NFL announced Wednesday a first-time, three-way simulcast of Saturday's New England-New York Giants contest at East Rutherford, N.J.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement broadcast television partners CBS and NBC will combine with the NFL Network on the unprecedented telecast.

The contest originally went to the NFL Network, which has limited subscribers, but its announcers, Bryant Gumbel and Chris Collinsworth, will call the game.

"We have taken this extraordinary step because it is in the best interest of our fans," Goodell said. "What we have seen for the past year is a very strong consumer demand for NFL Network. We appreciate CBS and NBC delivering the NFL Network telecast on Saturday night to the broad audience that deserves to see this potentially historic game. Our commitment to the NFL Network is stronger than ever."

The Patriots will attempt to become the first team in league history to finish the regular season with a 16-0 record.