A close game between two big market rivals delivered better numbers for Thursday Night Football, though not by much.
The Week 7 Jets/Patriots Thursday Night Football game drew an 11.6 overnight rating on CBS and NFL Network, up 137% from Seahawks/Cardinals on NFL Network and local affiliates last year (4.9). The 11.6 is the second-highest ever for Thursday Night Football (dates back to 2006), trailing only Steelers/Ravens in Week 2 (13.7).
With that said, the 11.6 is not much higher than previous TNF telecasts this season. Colts/Texans last week and Giants/Washington in Week 4 both had an 11.2.
The Patriots’ two-point win was the first Thursday night game of the season that was close from start to finish. Even last week, when the Colts won by just five points, they opened the game with a 24-0 lead.
(Thu. overnight from CBS Press Express)
