Every Sunday at noon, the world shifts into football mode.  It’s an hour until kickoff, and there is a wealth of information to be had.  Who’s hurt?  Who’s not starting?  Are the Raiders still bad?  And most of all, who’s going to win the big game?

With the rise of cable television, there are more options than ever.  The usual options are always there, like Fox’s “Fox NFL Sunday” and CBS’ “The NFL Today,” but cable networks such as ESPN with “Sunday NFL Countdown” and NFL Network’s “NFL GameDay” have thrown their helmets onto the field, along with NBC’s “Football Night in America.”

The biggest question now is where to turn.  In the coming weeks, “The Patriot” will take a look at each program’s strengths and weaknesses to give you the best pregame show.

If chemistry is a sticking point for a decision on which pregame show to watch, “Fox NFL Sunday” is the best bet.  The panel of Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Jimmy Johnson provides nonstop banter and insight, entertaining the viewer for the entire show.

On this past Sunday’s segment, the first five minutes of the show was continuous banter about Bradshaw’s quarter horses and Menefee’s interest in boxing.  While it doesn’t seem to contribute to the point of the show, it allows the personalities of the analysts to shine through.

However, the analyst get serious when they talk about the Chicago Bears’ Jay Cutler throwing five interceptions in his team’s 10-6 loss last Thursday night to San Francisco.  In typical fashion, Bradshaw, Johnson, Long and Strahan rip Cutler for his poor performance. Bradshaw, a former quarterback, stands up for his fellow quarterback but is immediately shouted down by the others. It’s chaotic, but analytic.

While the show is entertaining, it does provide the information any NFL fanatic wants to hear. NFL Insider Jay Glazer provides up-to-the-minute news and injury reports on players.

Along with Glazer, “Fox NFL Sunday” utilizes the talents of comedian Frank Caliendo.  During the weekly “Frank’s Picks” segment, Caliendo showcases his prowess for impersonating personalities such Bradshaw, John Madden, Dr. Phil, and George W. Bush.  Of course, some reference to the hosts back in the studio is made, leading to a cascade of laughter from the five.

The overall appeal of the show comes from Menefee, Bradshaw, Long, Strahan, and Johnson.  All five are genuinely interested in the game and in what the others have to say.  They process every bit of information that is given to them, allowing them to have spot-on analysis.  Also, each has the ability to put the playful joking aside and get serious.

“Fox NFL Sunday” stays fresh every week and uses the dynamic personalities present to keep the viewer coming back for more.

A-

Dan Gallen can be reached for comment at [email protected]