The NFL season got off to a strong start — and not just by recent standards — on CBS.
Sunday’s Week 1 NFL singleheader, featuring Texans-Patriots in 41% of markets and Chiefs-Chargers in 32%, had a 9.7 rating and 17.1 million viewers on CBS per Nielsen fast-nationals — up 28% in ratings and viewership from last year (7.6, 13.3M) and up 4% and 7% respectively from 2016 (9.3, 16.0M).
The telecast, which also included Steelers-Browns, ranks as the highest rated and most-watched Week 1 singleheader since 2015 on FOX (feat. Packers-Bears: 11.6, 20.1M). On CBS alone, it was the most-watched Week 1 singleheader since 1998 (20 telecasts).
Regardless of week, it was the top singleheader on CBS since Week 14 of the 2016 season (11.2, 19.1M). The network topped out at a 9.1 and 15.1 million for singleheader coverage last season (Week 13).
Sunday marked the first time since 2014 that CBS had the Patriots in its season opening telecast. That year, the singleheader had a higher rating (9.9) but fewer viewers (16.5M).
The numbers mark a stark turnaround from Week 1 of last season, when the CBS singleheader opened at an eight-year low. Keep in mind last year’s numbers were depressed by hurricane coverage.
A full chart of 2018 NFL ratings, updated all season long, is available here.
[Numbers from CBS Sports]
