As one would expect given the circumstances, the final NFL singleheader of the season was not a strong draw.
The Week 16 NFL singleheader window scored a 7.7 final rating and 14.2 million viewers on CBS Saturday afternoon, down 25% in ratings and 19% in viewership from last year (10.2, 17.6M) and down 21% and 12% respectively from 2014 on FOX (9.8, 16.2M). Those telecasts aired on Sundays.
The 7.7 rating is the lowest of the season for the NFL singleheader, falling a tick below the previous mark of 7.8 in Week 10, also on CBS. The season-low is no surprise given the lower viewing levels associated with both Saturdays and Christmas Eve.
Viewership was the second-lowest of the season, ahead of only the Week 10 window (13.2M).
The last time the NFL’s Sunday afternoon slate aired on Saturday due to Christmas was 2011. That year, CBS earned an 8.3 and 14.6 million for the singleheader window.
(Wknd. numbers via ShowBuzz Daily 12/28)
