Cowboys set record for most-watched regular-season game, defeating Chiefs on Thanksgiving

The Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs set a viewership record for regular-season games during their Thanksgiving Day matchup, underscoring the NFL's enduring popularity.

Why it matters: The extraordinary ratings not only demonstrate the immense appeal of these franchises but also highlight the significance of Thanksgiving as a cornerstone of the NFL schedule.

  • The Cowboys-Chiefs game averaged 57.23 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history, surpassing the previous record by 36%.
  • The Packers vs. Lions game earlier that day also achieved remarkable success, averaging 47.7 million viewers and becoming the second-most-watched regular-season game ever.

What’s new: This Thanksgiving marked an unprecedented level of engagement for the NFL.

  • The audience peaked at 61.36 million during the conclusion of the Cowboys game, indicating strong viewer interest throughout.
  • Four of the five most-watched regular-season games in history are late-afternoon Thanksgiving matchups hosted by the Cowboys.

By the numbers: The statistical milestones from this year’s Thanksgiving games underscore a growing trend in viewership.

  • Last year’s Thanksgiving game featuring the Giants and Cowboys attracted 38.84 million viewers, showing a notable 47% increase this year with the Cowboys-Chiefs showdown.
  • The Bengals-Ravens night game also set a record with 28.4 million viewers, eclipsing the previous Thanksgiving night record of 27.8 million.

Yes, but: While the viewing figures reflect a significant victory for the league, they also prompt discussions about the future trajectory of NFL broadcasting rights and team strategies.

  • With the league's popularity continuing to surge, teams may look to leverage this attention to enhance their brand value and capitalize on lucrative sponsorship opportunities.

The bottom line: These Thanksgiving games were not just about football; they showcased the NFL’s ability to draw massive audiences while fostering family traditions across America.

  • As David Berson noted, “The NFL. Thanksgiving. Chiefs. Cowboys. A perfect recipe for a record audience.”

What to watch: Moving forward, teams will be keenly aware of the impact that marquee matchups can have on viewership, prompting strategic decisions regarding scheduling and player acquisition.

  • The excitement generated by events like these may influence how teams approach marketing and fan engagement throughout the season.

With a blend of competitive spirit and festive tradition, this Thanksgiving has reaffirmed the NFL's status as America's most-watched sport and set the stage for future matchups that fans will anticipate eagerly.

whiproute logo