The 2014 NFL season got off to a customary strong start in the ratings.
Thursday’s Packers/Seahawks NFL Kickoff Game drew a 16.8 overnight rating on NBC, up 4% from last year’s delayed Ravens/Broncos opener (16.2) and up 2% from Cowboys/Giants opposite the Democratic National Convention in 2012 (16.5).
The 16.8 overnight is the highest for the Kickoff Game since the Packers’ last appearance — against the Saints in 2011 (17.2). Overall, the 16.8 is the third-highest ever for the Kickoff Game (dates back to 2002), trailing only 2011 and Vikings/Saints in 2010 (17.7).
Milwaukee was the top market for Thursday’s game, with a 44.0 rating. Seattle ranked second (42.2), followed by Minneapolis (26.6), New Orleans (25.2) and Sacramento (21.2).
(Thu. numbers from NBC via TV By the Numbers)
