Drew Brees # 9 of the New Orleans Saints dives into the final zone to record the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
The National Football League swung through the gate for its play-off openings, led by ViacomCBS Sports and Nickelodeon’s simulcast, which collectively attracted more than 30 million viewers.
Sunday’s CBS broadcast between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears drew about 30 million viewers, and its children’s show on Nickelodeon drew about 2 million, making Nickelodeon’s “most watched program among total viewers in nearly four years” was, the network said.
The NFL’s effort to recruit younger viewers has garnered praise for its Nickelodeon – themed digital effects and comments on social media. In the game, the Saints beat the Bears 21-9, and even Seants coach Sean Payton got Nickelodeon in the after-game.
Sunday’s NBC Sports Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns game also averaged 26 million on all platforms and 24.8 million viewers on NBC and peaked at 27.6 million viewers around 21: 15-9: 30 p.m. Bowl LIV last February.
The Browns defeated the Steelers 48-37 for the club’s first win since 1995 since 1995. This may be the last time Ben Roethlisberger, a longtime back, wears a 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 spent four interceptions in the game, will be a $ 41 million salary cap for the team next season, leading to speculation that the Steelers could divorce the 38-year-old, who turns 39 in March.
Saturday’s NBC playoff game with another quarterback, who did change teams, Tom Brady, averaged 21.4 million viewers watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Washington Football Team.
Brady and Saints fullback Drew Brees are going 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 in their first game in 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 Baltimore Ravens-Tennessee Titans mega-cast. The Disney network is broadcast by the ABC and ESPN channels.