The Patriots and Cowboys delivered strong numbers for the NFL on CBS, but not at the level of their previous matchups.
The Week 5 NFL national window, featuring Patriots/Cowboys in 81% of markets, drew a 16.4 overnight rating on CBS Sunday afternoon — up 24% from coverage featuring Chiefs/49ers last year (13.2) but down 12% from Broncos/Cowboys in 2013 (18.6). The 16.4 is the highest overnight of the season for the NFL on CBS and tied as the fifth-highest regardless of network.
The Cowboys and Patriots have played in four of the season’s five highest rated games in the metered markets, with Sunday’s game joining Cowboys/Eagles in Week 2 (17.8), Steelers/Patriots on opening night (17.7) and Giants/Cowboys in Week 1 (16.7). The lone exception in the top five was last week’s national window, which featured Packers/49ers (16.4).
Despite the strong numbers, the Patriots’ blowout win could not match previous meetings between the teams. Their 2011 matchup drew a 19.1 overnight on FOX, and their 2007 meeting — during New England’s undefeated run — had an 18.5 on CBS.
The early doubleheader window drew a 9.1 overnight, down 22% from last year (11.6) and down 6% from 2013 (9.7).
(Sun. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
