After avoiding the NFL’s slow start for the first three weeks of the season, FOX finally succumbed in Week 4.
The Week 4 NFL national window, featuring Cowboys/49ers in 84% of markets, had a 14.8 overnight rating on FOX Sunday afternoon — down 10% from coverage featuring Packers/49ers last year (16.4) and down 11% from coverage featuring Eagles/49ers in 2014 (16.7). The 14.8 is the lowest for the Week 4 national window since coverage featuring Broncos/Packers on CBS in 2011 (13.6).
The last time the national window featured the 49ers and Cowboys, Week 1 of the 2014 season, the telecast had a 17.4 overnight. Keep in mind San Francisco was one season removed from a Super Bowl appearance.
Earlier in the day, regional action featuring Seahawks/Jets in 43% of markets had a 7.4 overnight — down 23% from coverage featuring Giants/Bills last year (9.7) and down 11% from coverage featuring Packers/Bears in 2014 (10.1). The 7.4 is the second-lowest for a Sunday game this season, ahead of only Colts/Jaguars from London on CBS earlier in the morning (5.5).
Sunday’s telecasts were the first of the season on FOX to decline from last year. The network had been the lone exception to the NFL’s season opening slump, posting increases for each of its four windows during the first three weeks of the season, a stretch that saw the other networks go a combined 2 for 15.
(Wknd. numbers via Sports Business Daily 10/3)
