A matchup of 1-3 teams may not seem appetizing on the surface, but Sunday’s Cowboys/Vikings NFL national window earned massive numbers on FOX.
The Vikings’ win over the Cowboys, seen in 96% of TV markets, drew a 17.4 overnight rating on FOX Sunday afternoon — up 17% from last year’s Week 6 national window (TEN/NE*: 14.9, CBS) and up 8% from Week 6 in 2008 (DAL/AZ*: 16.1, FOX).
The 17.4 overnight is the second-highest of the season for any NFL telecast, behind only the Vikings/Saints Kickoff Game on NBC (17.7).
This is the third time this season that NFL coverage has topped a 17.0 overnight rating.
Additionally, this is the highest overnight for the NFL national window on any network since Week 13 last year (DAL/NYG*: 18.9, FOX).
Earlier in the day, FOX drew an 8.5 overnight for regional NFL action featuring Falcons/Eagles, down 20% from last year (BAL/MIN*: 10.6, CBS), and down 16% from 2008 (STL/WSH*: 10.1, FOX).
Keep in mind Cablevision subscribers in the New York area were unable to watch either game of Sunday’s doubleheader, which included Lions/Giants in the early window.
Asterisk (*) indicates featured game of window.
(Ratings from Sports Business Daily)
