NFL sets ratings record in opening week

The National Football League averaged 21.0 million viewers per match during the NFL’s opening week, making it the most-watched Week 1 ever.

The NFL and Nielsen shared today that the per-match average on television and digital platforms was a 12% increase over 2023. The ratings have been measured since 1988.

Each week as I update my personal NFL power ratings, there are several key stats that I'll be analyzing to upgrade/downgrade specific units.

Here's a look at some of those stats, starting with the offensive line: pic.twitter.com/WFpEHrzNKU

— Sam Hoppen (@SamHoppen) September 11, 2024

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That means 123 million people saw at least part of 1 match, its highest total for an opening week in 5 years.

“A phenomenal beginning with the viewership. It was great to be back and a lot to be happy about,” claimed Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of the league.

NBC had the most-watched match, with the defending champs’ Kansas City beating 27-20 Baltimore on TNF’s opener, averaging over 29 million on television and different platforms.

It was NBC’s 2^nd-largest regular-campaign match since 2006 when they bought the rights.

Tom Brady’s debut match as Fox’s top analyst – the Cowboys’ 33-17 victory against the Browns – averaged almost 24 million people.

The league admitted that the numbers even exceeded their expectations as they are proud of the match that was played in Brazil and are happy with the ratings.