An undefeated run has boosted the Carolina Panthers’ drawing power.
The Week 13 NFL national window, featuring Panthers/Saints in 61% of markets, had an 18.2 overnight rating on FOX Sunday afternoon — down 5% from Patriots/Packers last year (19.2) but up 5% from coverage featuring Broncos/Chiefs in 2013 (17.4), both of which aired on CBS.
The telecast, which also included the Eagles’ upset of the Patriots in 35% of markets, ranks as the third highest rated of the season in the metered markets. The only higher overnights were a 19.5 for Seahawks/Cowboys on FOX in Week 8 and an 18.3 for coverage featuring Patriots/Giants on CBS in Week 10 (18.3).
The Panthers’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys, which finished as the most-watched NFL telecast of the season, ranks 16th in the overnights with a 15.3.
Despite the strong numbers, Sunday’s telecast was the fifth of seven windows featuring the Panthers to have a year-over-year decline.
Earlier Sunday, regional action featuring Seahawks/Vikings in 42% of markets had an 11.0 overnight — up 9% from last year (10.1) and down 8% from 2013 (12.0).
(Sun. numbers via ShowBuzz Daily)
