NFL Week 1 delivers big ratings to networks

Field Level Media|published: 09/10/2025, 2:02pm EDT

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook carries the ball almost into the end zone on this plus 10-yard carry during the second half of their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sept. 7, 2025.

Television networks reported a record number of viewers for Week 1 NFL games.

The ratings were determined using Nielsen's Big Data + Panel audience measurement system, which utilizes more metrics to figure the numbers than in the past.

CBS said late Tuesday that its overall average was 20.38 million viewers, with the national game between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers averaging 23.89 million viewers.

The network said both measurements were the highest in Week 1 since 1998.

Fox said its Week 1 NFL singleheader slot averaged 17.9 million viewers, the most for any network in that category since 2015.

NBC's airing of the Buffalo Bills' comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens averaged 24.7 million viewers. That figure is the best for a Sunday opener in three years.

--Field Level Media