The Thrilling NFL Kickoff Game Between the Chiefs and Ravens Sets Viewer Records
Thursday night’s NFL Kickoff Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens was a spectacle to behold. Combining the star power of Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson with the excitement of Taylor Swift’s performance, this game captured the attention of millions of viewers. In fact, it became the most-watched NFL Kickoff Game of all time.
According to NBC and Peacock, the game garnered an average of 28.9 million viewers, based on live plus same-day custom fast nationals from Nielsen and digital data from Adobe Analytics. This figure surpassed last year’s season opener between the Detroit Lions and Chiefs, which attracted 27.5 million viewers, by a notable five percent.
The game’s viewership peaked in the second quarter, with 33 million viewers tuning in between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. ET. However, it’s worth noting that the start of the game was delayed due to lightning, pushing kickoff to 8:40 p.m. ET and resulting in a late conclusion at 11:55 p.m. ET. This delay likely affected the overall viewership numbers.
In addition to traditional television viewership, the NFL Kickoff Game also saw a significant increase in digital viewership. NBC reported that 4.6 million viewers accessed the game through its digital platforms, marking a 65 percent increase compared to last year’s opener.
The top three metered markets for the game, out of the 44 markets available, were Kansas City, Baltimore, and Denver. These cities demonstrated a strong fan base and a deep passion for football, contributing to the game’s overall viewership success.
It’s clear that the combination of star players, thrilling gameplay, and a highly anticipated matchup between the Chiefs and Ravens played a significant role in attracting a record-breaking number of viewers. The popularity of the NFL continues to grow, and events like the Kickoff Game only serve to solidify its status as America’s favorite sport.
If you missed the game or want to relive the excitement, make sure to catch up on the highlights and analysis. The NFL Kickoff Game is an essential part of the football season, setting the tone for the weeks to come.
In conclusion, the NFL Kickoff Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens captivated audiences and set new records for viewership. With star players, electrifying performances, and a close match, this game proved to be a must-watch event for football fans. As the NFL season kicks into high gear, the excitement and anticipation for upcoming games are at an all-time high.