Overnights dropped by double-digits for NFL preseason action on Sunday.
Sunday’s Vikings/49ers NFL preseason game drew a 5.8 overnight rating on NBC, down 23% from Panthers/Jets last year (7.5), and tied as the lowest preseason overnight on NBC since 2008. The 5.8 is tied as the fourth-lowest overnight for any Sunday preseason game over that span, ahead of only three games on FOX.
Despite the relatively low numbers, Sunday’s 5.8 overnight was easily the highest of the weekend for any sporting event.
Earlier Sunday, FOX drew a 4.2 overnight for the Saints/Texans preseason game — down 22% from 49ers/Broncos in the comparable slot last year (5.4). The 4.2 is the lowest for a Sunday preseason game since the current NFL television contract began in 2006.
CBS also experienced declines over the weekend. The network drew a 3.1 overnight for Saturday’s Rams/Broncos game, down 31% from Texans/Saints last year (4.5).
The lone game to avoid a decline over the weekend was Seahawks/Packers on Friday night. The rematch of last year’s “Fail Mary” game drew a 4.9 overnight on CBS — matching last year’s comparable Bears/Giants telecast as the network’s highest rated preseason game (in the metered markets) since 2002.
(Weekend numbers from Sports Business Daily)
