FOX Sports topped Week 2 NFL Sunday viewership, drawing an average of 27.2 million for Cowboys-Commanders. Meanwhile, NBC and CBS followed with historic numbers of their own.
What We Know: FOX averaged 27,212,000 viewers for Dallas’ 37-20 win over Washington, 8% above last season’s America’s Game of the Week average. Meanwhile, NBC and Peacock averaged 24.3 million viewers for Kansas City’s 33-30 overtime win over Indianapolis. That marks Sunday Night Football’s most-watched Week 2 game since 2015. Finally, CBS’s Steelers-Patriots singleheader averaged 19.345 million viewers, its best Week 2 on record, up 29% year over year.
What The Data Shows: NFL WEEK TWO AVERAGE VIEWERSHIP
| Network | Teams | Average Viewership |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video | Detroit vs. Buffalo | 18.60 million |
| CBS (Early Window) | Pittsburgh vs. New England | 19.345 million |
| FOX (Afternoon) | Dallas vs. Washington | 27.2 million |
| NBC (Evening) | Kansas City vs. Indianapolis | 24.3 million |
| ESPN (MNF) | New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams | TBA |
What Remains Unclear: ESPN’s viewership figures are set to be released on Tuesday. Peak audience figures for FOX Sports were not released.
What It Means: Ultimately, Week 2 delivered records across all three broadcast partners with new methodology and audience measurement. Despite the dramatic drop in scoring offense from week to week, the viewership figures continued to be strong to start the new NFL season over last year. FOX owns bragging rights for now, but NBC and CBS each claimed a piece of history. Moreover, marquee brands like Dallas and Kansas City continue driving massive tune-in. As a result, networks and advertisers alike have reason for optimism heading into Week 3.
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