The National Football League has set a new benchmark for viewership in its opening week, attracting an average of 22.3 million viewers per game across television and digital platforms. This marks a 5% increase from the previous year's average of 21 million viewers.
The surge in viewership is partly attributed to updated measurement methods by Nielsen, which now include data from smart TVs, set-top boxes, and nationwide out-of-home viewing. NBC led the ratings with the top two games: the Philadelphia Eagles' 24-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys drew 28.3 million viewers, and the Buffalo Bills' 41-40 win against the Baltimore Ravens attracted 24.7 million viewers.
The Detroit Lions' 52-21 triumph over the Chicago Bears garnered 24 million viewers on CBS, marking the network's most-watched Week 1 game since 1998. ESPN's coverage of the Minnesota Vikings' 22-21 win over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football averaged 22.1 million viewers, the second-best since 2006.
Fox's early games averaged 17.9 million viewers, while the Friday game in Brazil between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs averaged 17.3 million viewers globally. This is the third consecutive season with at least four games surpassing the 20 million viewer mark, indicating a growing interest in the NFL's opening week.
The NFL's global expansion efforts, including international games and partnerships, have contributed to this increased viewership. The league continues to explore new markets and enhance its digital presence to engage a broader audience.
## NFL Sets New Viewership Record in Opening Week:
– [NFL averaged 22.3 million viewers per game for opening week, its highest on record]
