NFL Week 1 sees 13% drop in viewership despite new schedule

The NFL's opening week in 2026 averaged 19.5 million viewers per game, a 13% decline from 2025. This drop is despite implementing changes like a Wednesday kickoff between the Patriots and Seahawks and a Sunday doubleheader. NBC reported an 11% decrease for the opener, while CBS saw a 22% decline in its late afternoon game. On the positive side, NBC's Sunday Night Football featuring the Cowboys and Giants attracted its best Week 1 viewership since 2015, and ESPN recorded its best-ever Week 1 for Monday Night Football. The league remains dominant in viewership, claiming eight of the top ten figures for the week.

• 5:07 PMYahoo Sports — NFL's Week 1 total audience drops by 13 percent
• 4:52 PMYahoo Sports — NFL Week 1 Ratings Fall 13% Despite New Broadcast Schedule