Airing the Week 1 NFL doubleheader for the first time since 2000, CBS put up mixed numbers in the metered markets.
The Week 1 NFL national window, featuring Ravens/Broncos, drew a 14.7 overnight rating on CBS Sunday afternoon — down 16% from 49ers/Cowboys last year (17.4) and down 17% from Packers/49ers in 2013 (17.8), both of which aired on FOX. The 14.7 is the lowest for the Week 1 national window since 2008, when coverage featuring Cowboys/Browns drew a 14.3 on FOX.
Keep in mind that Sunday’s telecast faced competition from a pair of late games on FOX — Saints/Cardinals in 21% of markets and Lions/Chargers in 11%. In previous years, the Week 1 national window did not face any NFL competition, as the CBS singleheader consisted of only 1 PM games to accommodate the U.S. Open.
Compared to CBS’ first national window last year, which took place in Week 2 of the season, the 14.7 marks an uptick over a 14.6 for coverage featuring Chiefs/Broncos.
CBS had vastly different results for the first half of its doubleheader. Regional action earlier in the day drew a 10.6 overnight, up 13% from last year (9.4) and up 4% from 2013 (10.2), both of which aired on FOX. The 10.6 is the highest for the Week 1 early window since at least 2006.
(Sun. numbers via ShowBuzz Daily)
