The start of the NFL season predictably pulled in big numbers on Thursday night.
The Steelers’ overtime win over the Titans drew a 13.8/22 overnight rating on NBC, up 37% from a 10.1/17 for Washington/Giants last year, which began at a special early time due to the Republican National Convention, and up 6% from a 13.0/21 for Saints/Colts in ’07.
This marks the highest overnight for the NFL’s Thursday night season opener since Jets/Washington drew a 14.5/23 in ’03. Additionally, this marks the highest overnight for any sporting event since the Super Bowl.
Thursday’s game drew a 49.6/70 in Pittsburgh and a 40.1/56 in Nashville.
The NFL Kickoff Special at 8 PM drew a 6.3/11 overnight.
Overnight ratings for NFL Kickoff Game since ’03.
| Year | Date | Game | Net | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Thu., 9/10/09 | Titans/Steelers | NBC | |
| 2008 | Thu., 9/4/08 | Washington/Giants | NBC | |
| 2007 | Thu., 9/6/07 | Saints/Colts | NBC | |
| 2006 | Thu., 9/7/06 | Dolphins/Steelers | NBC | |
| 2005 | Thu., 9/8/05 | Raiders/Patriots | ABC | |
| 2004 | Thu., 9/9/04 | Colts/Patriots | ABC | |
| 2003 | Thu., 9/4/03 | Jets/Washington | ABC |
