NFL Kickoff Ratings Dip on Wednesday
Viewership surprisingly fell for the NFL’s season opener.
The NFL and NBC Sports kicked off the 2026 regular season with a disappointing kickoff game on Wednesday, drawing fewer viewers than anticipated. The game between the Patriots and Seahawks, won by Seattle 13-10, averaged 25.1 million viewers, marking an 11% decline compared to last year's season opener, which aired on a Thursday and recorded higher ratings.
This figure was the lowest start to an NFL season since 2022. The ratings decline surprised many, as the NFL aimed to capitalize on the matchup as a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch from February, while NBC Sports sought to boost its season opener after last year's rain delay derailed a potentially record-breaking audience.
Among the 18-49 age group, the Patriots-Seahawks game still drew the best viewership since 2021. The NFL achieved its first four-year streak of kickoff games with over 25 million average viewers since 2013-16. The Patriots and Seahawks' home markets led viewership, followed by Seattle-Tacoma and Buffalo. Midweek games might become more common due to the NFL's international reach and the importance of standalone broadcast slots, such as the upcoming Thanksgiving Eve game between the Rams and Packers on Netflix.
NBC Sports' audience figures now come from standard Nielsen methodologies, replacing its previous Total Audience Delivery (TAD) figures. The network believes Nielsen data will result in more accurate and higher viewership numbers. The game also marked Mike Tomlin's debut as an announcer for NBC Sports, starting on a strong note.
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