It was the top telecast of the weekend in the metered markets, but the NFL national window underperformed again on CBS.
The Week 8 NFL national window, featuring Colts/Steelers, drew a 13.0 overnight rating on CBS Sunday afternoon — down 25% from coverage on FOX featuring Washington/Broncos last year (17.5) and down 30% from coverage on FOX featuring Giants/Cowboys in 2012 (18.8).
The 13.0 is the lowest of the season for the NFL national window, falling below the previous mark of 13.2 set in Week 5 — also on CBS. It is also the lowest for the national window in Week 8 of the season since at least 2000.
Keep in mind the NFL national window faced head-to-head competition from Eagles/Cardinals on FOX in 44% of TV markets, including New York (#1), Los Angeles (#2), Philadelphia (#4) and Dallas-Ft. Worth (#5).
Despite the season-low, the national window still earned the top NFL overnight of the weekend. The singleheader window on FOX finished not far behind with a 12.3, and NBC’s Sunday Night Football drew an 11.4 opposite the World Series.
The early doubleheader window on CBS drew a 10.6 overnight, down 3% from coverage on FOX featuring Cowboys/Lions last year (10.9) and down 5% from coverage on FOX featuring Washington/Steelers in 2012 (11.1).
(Sun. overnight from Sports Business Daily)
