NFL Ratings Continue Downward Trend Through Divisional Playoffs
The NFL’s divisional round drew strong viewer numbers but still saw a notable decline compared to previous years, continuing a downward trend that has persisted throughout the regular season and playoffs.
Sunday’s Matchups and Viewership Decline
On Sunday evening, the Buffalo Bills hosted the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC clash that ended in a thrilling 27-25 victory for the Bills. Despite the close contest, the game averaged 42.2 million viewers, a 16% drop from the same time slot last year. In 2024, the comparable divisional matchup—between the Bills and Kansas City Chiefs—drew an average of 50.4 million viewers, setting an all-time high for a divisional-round game. This year’s rematch lacked the historic viewership of the previous season’s dramatic showdown, which the Chiefs narrowly won 27-24.
Earlier in the day, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams 28-22 in an NFC showdown. Kicking off at 3 p.m. ET, the game brought in an average of 37.8 million viewers, representing a 6% drop from the 40.4 million who tuned in for the comparable game in 2024. Nevertheless, the Eagles-Rams matchup still secured the fourth-highest rating in NBC’s history for a divisional playoff game, according to Nielsen ratings.
Broader Viewership Trends
This year’s divisional round is not an outlier. The league’s ratings have dipped not only in the divisional games but also throughout the regular season, wild-card round, and other playoff matchups. The slight decreases underscore a challenge for the NFL as it seeks to maintain its dominance in television ratings and viewer engagement.
