NFL Week 1 Sets Record with 21 Million Viewers Per Game, 12% Increase

Sep 11, 2024, 01:26 PM

The NFL's Week 1 games have set new viewership records, averaging 21 million viewers per game across television and digital platforms, marking the highest on record. The Thursday night kickoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens was the most-watched NFL kickoff game ever, drawing 29.2 million viewers, peaking at 33 million during the second quarter. NBC's Sunday Night Football featuring the Rams and Lions attracted 22.7 million viewers, a 3% increase from the previous year's opener. The Cowboys' season opener against the Browns averaged 23.8 million viewers on Fox, up 46% from last season. NBC's Eagles-Packers game delivered 14.2 million viewers, including local TV stations and Peacock. ESPN's Monday Night Football featuring the Jets and 49ers garnered 20.5 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched Week 1 matchup in ESPN's 19 seasons of airing MNF. Overall, Week 1 viewership was up 12% compared to last year.