NFL s Wildcard Weekend Tackles Viewership Records

While the NFL may have trouble getting fans to purchase playoff tickets, its TV numbers continue to be as strong as ever.

Following a season where each of the leagues broadcast partners recorded year-over-year gains -- including Fox and NFL Network posting best-ever seasons -- the opening weekend of the playoffs continued that ratings momentum. The four games (three of which were decided by three or fewer points) on Saturday and Sunday averaged a record 34.7 million viewers, up 14% over last year.

Foxs strong season continued with its coverage of Sundays San Francisco 49ers-Green Bay Packers matchup, which drew a wildcard record 47.1 million viewers during the late-afternoon window. The game -- a 23-20 last-second win by the 49ers in sub-zero temperatures at Lambeau Field -- was 11% higher than the previous record (42.4 million) and 24% over Foxs game last year, which aired in the same 4:40 p.m. ET slot.

CBS coverage of the early game on Sunday between the San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals -- a 27-10 blowout by the Chargers -- was up 4% over last years early game with 30.9 million viewers.

NBCs Wildcard Saturday doubleheader averaged 30.8 million viewers, up 14% over last year and was NBCs most-watched since it began airing the doubleheader.

The 4:30 p.m. ET late-afternoon game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts drew 27.6 million viewers, up 17% from last years early Saturday game. The 45-44 win by the Colts was the second-largest comeback in NFL history. The night game between the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles -- also won by the Saints on a last-second field goal -- drew 34.4 million viewers, up 14% from last years night game and was the most-watched Wildcard Saturday game ever.

(Photo Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

LINK:	http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/nfls-wildcard-weeken...
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