Though up only slightly from last year, the Week 1 NFL national window set a network record for FOX.
The Week 1 NFL national window, featuring 49ers/Packers in 87% of markets, drew a 17.2 overnight rating on FOX Sunday afternoon — up a tick from both Giants/Washington last year (17.1) and Packers/Eagles in 2010 (17.1).
The 17.2 overnight ranks as just barely the highest ever for a Week 1 NFL telecast on FOX.
In a rarity, the NFL national window did not earn the top overnight of the weekend. That distinction belongs to the Steelers/Broncos “Sunday Night Football” game on NBC, which drew an 18.0 overnight.
Earlier Sunday, regional action featuring Washington/Saints in 56% of markets drew a 10.2 overnight — up 15% from coverage featuring Eagles/Rams last year (8.9), and 13% from coverage featuring Panthers/Giants in 2010 (9.0).
(Sunday’s numbers from Sports Business Daily)
