NFL Kickoff Shatters Records: Week 1 Games Draw Highest Viewership in History
NFL Kickoff Shatters Records: Week 1 Games Draw Highest Viewership in History
The NFL’s 2025 season is off to a historic start, with Week 1 games averaging a record-breaking 22.3 million viewers. Find out which games led the charge and why the league’s popularity is surging.
NEW YORK – The National Football League has once again proven its dominance in the American sports landscape, kicking off its 2025 season with record-shattering viewership numbers. Reports confirmed Friday that the opening week’s slate of games drew an average of 22.3 million viewers per game across all broadcast partners, making it the most-watched opening weekend in the league’s history.
This unprecedented viewership figure represents a significant increase over previous seasons and sends a clear message about the league’s surging popularity. The numbers are trending heavily across social media and search engines as fans and analysts digest the historic start.
The record-breaking weekend was anchored by several marquee matchups that captured the nation’s attention:
Season Opener: The kickoff game between the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens set a powerful tone for the week, drawing a massive audience.
International Intrigue: The first-ever NFL game in São Paulo, Brazil, featuring the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles, attracted significant global and domestic interest.
Prime-Time Powerhouses: Marquee Sunday and Monday night games, including the Dallas Cowboys facing the Cleveland Browns, delivered huge ratings, bolstering the week’s average.
Experts point to a combination of factors driving the NFL’s continued growth. Compelling storylines, the league’s incredible roster of star quarterbacks, the ever-growing popularity of fantasy football, and expanded access through streaming services have all contributed to making the NFL a can’t-miss television event.
This historic start is a massive win for the NFL and its broadcast partners—including CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video—affirming that live football remains one of the most valuable properties in all of media. As the league moves into Week 2, all eyes will be on whether this incredible momentum can be sustained throughout the season.
