A primetime-quality matchup lifted NFL singleheader ratings to a four-year high.
Last Sunday’s NFL singleheader window (49ers-Ravens in 58% of markets) averaged a 12.0 rating and 20.90 million viewers on FOX, marking the highest rated and most-watched singleheader in any of week of the season since 2015 (mostly Panthers-Giants: 14.5, 25.04M).
The telecast, which included Packers-Giants in 17% of markets, also ranks as the highest rated Week 13 singleheader since 2012 (12.6) and the most-watched since at least 2000.
Ratings increased 45% and viewership 50% from Week 13 last year (8.3, 13.89M) and 32% and 38% respectively from 2017 (9.1, 15.13M). Those windows aired on CBS.
In a strong Week 13 of the NFL season, the singleheader ranked just fifth out of eight total windows. Still, it finished only narrowly behind NBC’s Sunday Night Football (Patriots-Texans: 12.3, 21.45M) and the NFL national window on CBS (mostly Raiders-Chiefs: 12.0, 20.90M).
FOX is now averaging 19.4 million viewers for its NFC package this season (+10%), its highest since 2016.
Milwaukee led all markets with a 40.6 rating and 74 share for Packers-Giants. Baltimore ranked second at a 32.3/57, followed by Philadelphia (Eagles-Dolphins: 29.5/53) and the Bay Area (25.6/61). Jacksonville rounded out the top five (19.3/40 for Buccaneers-Jaguars).
Notably, 49ers-Ravens did not air in any of the top four media markets, with New York and Chicago receiving Packers-Giants, Los Angeles Rams-Cardinals, and Philadelphia Eagles-Dolphins.
The singleheader averaged a season-high 5.6 rating in adults 18-49 (+50%).
[Nielsen estimates from ShowBuzz Daily 12.4 a, b, Fox Sports]
