The anticipation is mounting as the NFL Playoffs Wild Card Weekend approaches, with expectations soaring that viewership records could be shattered. Historically, the Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys clash in 2015 set the high-water mark with a staggering 42 million viewers tuning in, making it the most-watched Wild Card game to date.
Last year's face-off between the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys came tantalizingly close to breaking that record, amassing 41.5 million viewers—the highest in seven years. As the Detroit Lions prepare to take on the Los Angeles Rams, there's a palpable buzz that this matchup could eclipse all previous viewership figures.
Consistently High Viewership
It's not just one game that's capturing the attention of millions; Wild Card Weekend consistently draws crowds of at least 25 million viewers per game. The New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings led last year's Wild Card Weekend, drawing an impressive 33.21 million viewers. The Jacksonville Jaguars' contest against the Los Angeles Chargers also made waves, bringing in over 20 million fans.
Among the top five games for the 2023 Wild Card Weekend was the riveting duel between Dallas and Washington, which attracted 21.73 million viewers—a figure matched by the Buffalo vs. Miami game, underscoring the weekend's widespread appeal.
Digital Platforms Gaining Traction
Traditional TV isn't the only medium experiencing growth; digital platforms are also seeing significant increases in their viewership numbers. Amazon Prime's Thursday Night Football has seen a 24 percent jump, now averaging 11.86 million viewers per game. This trend underscores a shift in how audiences consume sports content, with streaming services becoming increasingly popular among viewers.
In an unprecedented move, the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins game will stream exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal Media Group's streaming service. Peacock, no stranger to broadcasting major events, has previously streamed the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and other high-profile sporting events.
Confidence in Digital Streaming
NBC Sports executives express confidence in their ability to deliver a seamless viewing experience for the Peacock-exclusive game. With contingency plans in place, they're prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise during the broadcast.
Hans Schroeder, an executive at NBC Sports, emphasized the significance of this step: "Obviously, we’re taking a big step forward here with Peacock." He further expressed his excitement about making the game exclusively available on the platform, backed by extensive experience and confidence.
Rick Cordella, another key figure at NBC Sports, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the company's history of streaming large-scale events. "We’ve streamed the Super Bowl, World Cup, Olympics, and WrestleMania in the past; Premier League each weekend; Sunday Night Football throughout the season," said Cordella. He assured viewers of a top-notch experience come Saturday evening, bolstered by the expertise of their product and tech teams.
Looking Ahead
The Wild Card Weekend schedule is packed with matchups spread across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, offering a full slate of games for fans to enjoy. With the potential for new viewership records on the horizon, this weekend promises to be an unforgettable one for football enthusiasts.
As the NFL continues to innovate in how it delivers content to its audience, the blend of traditional broadcasts and digital streams represents a new era for sports consumption. Fans now have more options than ever to engage with their favorite teams and players, whether through cable TV or on-demand streaming services like Peacock.
With the stage set for another thrilling Wild Card Weekend, all eyes will be on the NFL to see if it can surpass its own benchmarks and continue to expand its reach to football fans around the globe. Whether you'll be watching from the comfort of your home or streaming on the go, one thing is certain: this weekend's games are not to be missed.