A Super Bowl rematch could not lift overnights for the NFL’s season opener.
The Panthers/Broncos NFL Kickoff Game earned a 16.5 overnight rating on NBC Thursday night, down 7% from Steelers/Patriots last year (17.7) and down 2% from Packers/Seahawks in 2014 (16.8). The 16.5 is tied as the second-lowest for the Kickoff Game since 2009, matching Cowboys/Giants in 2012 and ahead of only the weather-delayed Ravens/Broncos opener in 2013 (16.2).
Though low by recent standards, the 16.5 is tied as the fifth-highest in the history of the Kickoff Game (15 telecasts dating back to 2002).
With 2016 an Olympic year, Thursday’s 16.5 overnight is tied as just the ninth-highest since the Academy Awards in February — behind seven nights from Rio and Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June (18.9).
Denver led all markets for the Broncos’ win with a 46.9 rating, up 7% from their last Kickoff appearance in 2013 (43.9). Charlotte ranked second (33.2) followed by Greensboro (27.1). New Orleans (24.1) and Raleigh (22.7) rounded out the top five.
(Thu. numbers from NBC Sports)
