Lions vs Panthers average 19.5 million viewers on Sunday night

The game between the Detroit Lions and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday night drew an average of 19.5 million viewers for NBC. This figure is a decline from the first four NBC matches of the season, all of which surpassed 20 million viewers. The Lions, once a rising national attraction, now appear to be slipping back as they have struggled in the 2026 season. Viewership was likely affected by an MLB playoff game featuring the Atlanta Braves and L.A. Dodgers, which drew 3.33 million viewers away from the NFL broadcast.

• 2:46 AMYahoo Sports — Lions-Panthers slips under 20 million viewers on Sunday night