Even in defeat — perhaps especially in defeat — the Cowboys are the NFL’s biggest draw.
The Week 2 NFL national window, featuring Cowboys-Broncos in 81% of markets, had a 14.3 rating and 26 million viewers on FOX, up 17% in ratings and 22% in viewership from last year on CBS (12.2, 21.4M) but down 4% and 9% respectively from 2015 on FOX (15.5, 27.2M). Last year’s window featured Colts-Broncos and the 2015 window Cowboys-Eagles.
The Cowboys’ blowout loss delivered the largest audience of the young NFL season. Dallas’ two games this season rank as the most-watched, with their Week 1 win over the Giants now second (24.4M), and both have posted increases over last year.
The last time the Cowboys and Broncos played, 2013, their Week 5 matchup on CBS had a 16.6 and 28.3 million.
Earlier in the day, regional action featuring Eagles-Chiefs had a 7.9 and 13.5 million — down 7% in ratings and 6% in viewership from last year on CBS (8.5, 14.4M) and down 14% an 12% respectively from 2015 on FOX (9.2, 15.3M).
[Wknd. numbers via ShowBuzz Daily 9.19]
