A close matchup of traditional powers delivered big numbers for CBS.
The Steelers/Broncos NFL Divisional Round game drew a 26.2 overnight rating on CBS Sunday afternoon, up 3% from Colts/Broncos last year (25.4), up 4% from Chargers/Broncos in 2014 (25.1), and tied as the second-highest Divisional Round overnight on any network in 19 years — since Cowboys/Panthers on FOX in 1997 (28.4).
The Broncos’ win matched Cowboys/Packers last year and Jets/Patriots in 2011, trailing only Giants/Packers on FOX in 2012 (27.4). Among AFC Divisional games, it tied the highest overnight since Dolphins/Chargers on NBC in 1995 (26.8).
As should go without saying, Sunday’s game was easily the top telecast of the Divisional Round, topping Seahawks/Panthers earlier in the day by 13% (23.1). That represents a return to normal after last year’s late Sunday game trailed the early window.
Overnights peaked at a 29.7 from 7:30-8 PM ET.
(Sun. numbers from CBS Sports)
