Drew Brees # 9 of the New Orleans Saints throws himself into the final zone to score a yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
The National Football League came out on top for the opening of its playoff, led by ViacomCBS Sports and the simultaneous Nickelodeon show, which attracted over 30 million viewers.
Sunday’s CBS show between the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears drew about 30 million viewers, and the children’s version of Nickelodeon drew about 2 million, becoming “Nickelodeon’s most-watched show in the last four years.” , said the network.
The NFL’s attempt to solicit younger viewers has garnered praise for its Nickelodeon-themed digital effects and social media comments. The game saw the Saints beat the Bears 21-9, and even introduced Saints coach Sean Payton, who was weakened by Nickelodeon in the post-game.
Sunday’s NBC Sports Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns contest also averaged 26 million on all platforms and 24.8 million viewers on NBC and reached 27.6 million viewers around 9:15 p.m. -21: 30. Bol LIV last February.
The Browns defeated the Steelers 48-37 for the club’s first post-season victory since 1995. And it could be the last time defender Ben Roethlisberger wears the Steelers uniform.
Ben Roethlisberger # 7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against Adrian Clayborn # 94 of the Cleveland Browns on January 11, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Justin K. Aller | Getty Images
Roethlisberger, who threw four interceptions in the game, will be a $ 41 million paycheck for the team next season, leading to speculation that the Steelers could break up with the 38-year-old. 39 years old in March.
Saturday’s NBC playoff game with another longtime defender who changed teams, Tom Brady, had an average of 21.4 million viewers watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Washington football team.
Drew Brees, Brady and Saints defender, will go head to head for the third time this season as the Saints host the Bucs this weekend. The duo helped Fox Sports attract more than 25 million viewers to their first contest of week 1.
Fox said its Saturday game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks had an average of 23.9 million viewers on its channel. ESPN reported 24.8 million viewers for its mega-cast Baltimore Ravens-Tennessee Titans. Disney’s network broadcast the game on its ABC and ESPN channels.