Lamar Jackson has always been a must-see TV, and his divisional-round duel with Texans rookie C.J. Stroud shattered an ESPN viewership record.
According to ESPN’s Press Room, Saturday afternoon’s 34-10 win by Baltimore over Houston was the most-watched game on the network ever.
One for the Record Books!@HoustonTexans vs. @Ravens is ESPN's Most-Watched NFL Game Ever
More on the Record-Breaking Game & 2023-24 #MNF Season: https://t.co/X1mwUBe4gR pic.twitter.com/3EpBkX2kao
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 22, 2024
ESPN’s viewership records for NFL games date back to 1987, when the network first acquired rights.
With an audience of 31.8 million – based on Nielsen fast nationals – Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens (Saturday, Jan. 20) surpasses the 2023 Super Wild Card Monday night game featuring the Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (January 16, 2023) for ESPN’s top spot. Please note: ESPN’s audience is expected to elevate to more than 32 million when Nielsen reports final numbers this week.
In Saturday’s win, Jackson accounted for four total touchdowns while becoming the first player in NFL history to log two rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, 100 yards rushing and 100 yards passing in the same game.
On Sunday afternoon, Baltimore will host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.