Conference champ games draw most viewers since '82
Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. A New York team and the city of New Orleans.
A long list of intriguing story lines - and two close contests - earned huge television ratings for the NFL's conference championships Sunday. The games drew the most viewers in 28 years, averaging 52.9 million people, up 34 percent from last season.
The dramatic NFC championship attracted 57.9 million viewers, the most since San Francisco beat Dallas on ``The Catch'' in 1982. The New Orleans Saints' overtime victory over Favre and the Minnesota Vikings on Fox was the most watched non-Super Bowl program since the series finale of ``Seinfeld'' 12 years ago.
The fast national rating of 30.6 was the highest for a conference championship game since Packers-Cowboys in 1996. In New Orleans, the game drew a 63.2 rating and 82 share, the highest local rating ever for an NFL postseason game.
The Indianapolis Colts' win over the New York Jets on CBS drew 46.9 million viewers, the most for an AFC title game since Patriots-Dolphins in 1986.
Ratings represent the percentage of all households with televisions tuned into a program, and shares represent the percentage of all homes with TVs in use at the time.
-
NFL to play two Christmas Day 2024 games — on a Wednesday
Cowboys, Dak Prescott reportedly have understanding that QB won't be extended
Jim Harbaugh fulfills his dream, living in RV in initial months after Chargers move
-
NFL Draft QB analysis: Joel Klatt, Daniel Jeremiah debate top passers
2024 New York Giants 7-round mock draft: New QB in play — if available
2024 NFL Draft odds: Texas' Jonathon Brooks favored to be first running back taken
-
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
Falcons’ ‘whole new offense’ built on explosive receivers for Kirk Cousins
L'Jarius Sneed, Titans reportedly agree to $76.4M extension after Chiefs trade
-
NFL to play two Christmas Day 2024 games — on a Wednesday
Cowboys, Dak Prescott reportedly have understanding that QB won't be extended
Jim Harbaugh fulfills his dream, living in RV in initial months after Chargers move
-
NFL Draft QB analysis: Joel Klatt, Daniel Jeremiah debate top passers
2024 New York Giants 7-round mock draft: New QB in play — if available
2024 NFL Draft odds: Texas' Jonathon Brooks favored to be first running back taken
-
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
Falcons’ ‘whole new offense’ built on explosive receivers for Kirk Cousins
L'Jarius Sneed, Titans reportedly agree to $76.4M extension after Chiefs trade