FOX opened its NFL season with a pair of increases, with the caveat that last year’s games aired on lesser-watched CBS.
The Week 1 NFL national window, featuring Giants/Cowboys in 90% of markets, pulled a 16.9 overnight rating on FOX Sunday afternoon — up 15% from coverage featuring Broncos/Ravens on CBS last year (14.7) but down 3% from 49ers/Cowboys on FOX in 2014 (17.4).
Though up from last year on CBS, the 16.9 is the lowest of the Week 1 national window on FOX since 2009.
Sunday’s telecast still put up strong numbers, ranking as the highest rated of Week 1 in the metered markets. The NFL Kickoff Game had a 16.5 on NBC.
Earlier in the day, regional action featuring Packers/Jaguars in 34% of markets pulled a 10.8 overnight — up 2% from last year on CBS (10.6) and up 15% from coverage featuring Saints/Falcons in 2014 (9.4).
(Wknd. numbers via Sports Business Daily)
