Like rival FOX, CBS finished the NFL season in positive territory for the first time in five years.
CBS averaged a 9.5 rating and 16.5 million viewers for NFL coverage during the 2018 season, up 6% in ratings and viewership from last year (9.5, 16.5M) but down 4% in both measures from 2016 (9.9, 17.3M).
This season marked the first time in five years that the NFL on CBS has posted an increase in ratings.* The 2013 season increased 4% from 2012.
Even with the increase, this season was the second-lowest rated on CBS since at least 2000 and the second-least watched since 2006 (15.3).
The network’s Week 17 national window, featuring Browns-Ravens in 52% of markets, had a 9.5 rating and 16.8 million viewers last Sunday — up 9% in ratings and 8% in viewership from last year (ft. Bengals-Ravens: 8.7, 15.6M) and up 40% and 38% respectively from 2016 (6.8, 12.1M).
The telecast, which also included Bengals-Steelers, was the most-watched Week 17 window on CBS since 2015.
Earlier in the day, the first half of the network’s doubleheader had a mere 5.4 (-18%) and 8.89 million (-21%). Not counting an early morning Titans-Chargers game from London, it was the lowest rated and least-watched game of the season on broadcast TV.
* In 2015, CBS reported an increase in ratings and viewership over 2014. However, the 2015 average did not include the network’s early morning game from London. With that game included, the 2015 average was down slightly.
Average NFL Ratings, Viewership, on CBS (2001-present)
| Year | Rtg | Vwrs | Year | Rtg | Vwrs |
| 2018 | 9.5 | 16.5M | 2009 | 10.3 | 17.2M |
| 2017 | 9.0 | 15.7M | 2008 | 10.0 | 16.2M |
| 2016 | 9.9 | 17.3M | 2007 | 10.2 | 16.5M |
| 2015 | 10.9 | 18.7M | 2006 | 9.8 | 15.3M |
| 2014 | 11.0 | 18.6M | 2005 | 9.7 | 15.1M |
| 2013 | 11.0 | 18.6M | 2004 | 9.7 | 15.0M |
| 2012 | 10.6 | 17.6M | 2003 | 9.6 | 14.8M |
| 2011 | 10.9 | 18.3M | 2002 | 9.6 | 14.6M |
| 2010 | 11.1 | 18.7M | 2001 | 9.5 | 14.3M |
[Sun. numbers from Nielsen via ShowBuzz Daily 1.2]
