The NFL kicked off its season with a bang, drawing in record-breaking viewership numbers during its opening week. With an average of 21.0 million viewers per game, this marked the most-watched Week 1 in NFL history. This figure represented a notable 12% increase from the previous year, showcasing the league's enduring popularity.
Overall, a staggering 123 million individuals tuned in to catch at least part of a game, marking the highest total for an opening week since 2019. The NFL's return was met with enthusiasm and excitement from fans across the country.
NBC emerged as a frontrunner in viewership, with the season opener between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens attracting an average of 29.2 million viewers on TV and digital platforms. This game became NBC's second-largest regular-season broadcast since 2006, underscoring the enduring appeal of NFL matchups.
Other notable games included the Detroit Lions' thrilling overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams, which drew an average of 22.7 million viewers, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. Tom Brady's debut as a Fox analyst during the Dallas Cowboys' win over the Cleveland Browns also garnered significant attention, with an average viewership of 23.93 million.
Fox's doubleheader, featuring six games, averaged 18.64 million viewers, making it the network's most successful start since 2020. CBS also saw impressive numbers, averaging 17.79 million viewers for its six games, the highest for a Week 1 singleheader since regaining NFL rights in 1998.
Notably, the NFL introduced a Friday night game for the first time in 54 years, with the Philadelphia Eagles facing off against the Green Bay Packers. This matchup drew an average of 14.0 million viewers on Peacock and NBC affiliates, becoming one of the most-watched live events in Peacock's history.
Despite challenges such as carriage disputes affecting DirecTV customers, 'Monday Night Football' continued to be a strong draw, with an average of 20.4 million viewers for the San Francisco 49ers' victory over the New York Jets. While this figure was slightly lower than last year's opener, the NFL's ability to captivate audiences remained evident.
The NFL's successful opening week set a promising tone for the rest of the season, reaffirming its status as a powerhouse in the world of sports entertainment.
