NFL season opener sees double-digit ratings dip, lowest viewership since 2022

The NFL launched its 2026 campaign with a Wednesday night game pitting the Rams against the Patriots on one outlet, but the broadcast fell short of expectations, registering an 11% ratings slide and drawing 25.1 million average viewers—the lowest opening-night audience since 2022. The dip surprised both the league and the network, especially after last year’s Thursday kickoff endured a lengthy rain delay. Nonetheless, the contest resonated with the coveted 18-49 demographic, delivering the best opening-day numbers for that age group since 2021.

The season opener also extended the NFL’s four-year streak of kickoff games exceeding 25 million average viewers, a benchmark first reached in the 2013-16 period. Viewership was strongest in the Patriots’ and Seahawks’ home markets, with Providence, Rhode Island, and Boston topping the list, followed by Seattle-Tacoma and Buffalo.