As the NFL Playoffs Wild Card Weekend approaches, there is mounting anticipation that viewership records could topple. The stage is set for a series of gripping contests, with past matchups setting high benchmarks in audience numbers.
The record for the most-watched Wild Card game still stands from the 2015 face-off between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, which drew an impressive 42 million viewers. However, that record nearly fell last year when the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys clashed, captivating 41.5 million viewers, the highest in seven years. This year's Wild Card Weekend promises similar excitement, particularly as the Detroit Lions prepare to take on the Los Angeles Rams in a game that has the potential to rewrite viewership history.
Projections for the Wild Card games are optimistic, with expectations that each game will attract at least 25 million viewers. These figures aren't unfounded, considering the New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings led last year's Wild Card Weekend viewership with 33.21 million, while the Jacksonville Jaguars' battle against the Los Angeles Chargers amassed over 20 million viewers.
Not to be overlooked, the match between Dallas and Washington commanded attention, securing a spot in the top five most-watched games of the 2023 Wild Card Weekend with 21.73 million viewers—a figure matched by the Buffalo vs Miami game.
Digital Platforms Gaining Ground
In the realm of digital streaming, Amazon Prime's Thursday Night Football has seen a surge in popularity, with viewership increasing by 24 percent and averaging 11.86 million viewers. This trend towards digital consumption is further exemplified by the decision to stream the Kansas City Chiefs vs Miami Dolphins game exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal Media Group's streaming service.
NBC Sports, a division within the same corporate family, is no stranger to broadcasting major events. With a history of streaming the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and other significant sporting events, the platform is well-equipped to handle the expected influx of viewers for the exclusive NFL game. Contingency plans are in place to ensure a seamless viewing experience for what may become a watershed moment in sports broadcasting.
Industry Confidence in Digital Streaming
Executives within the industry express confidence in this digital transition. Hans Schroeder, an authoritative voice in the sports broadcasting sphere, acknowledged the significance of the move to Peacock, saying, "Obviously, we’re taking a big step forward here with Peacock." He added, "We’re excited about this next step of making the game exclusively available on Peacock, but we do that with a lot of confidence and a lot of experience already behind us."
Rick Cordella, another key figure, echoed this sentiment. He detailed NBC Sports' extensive portfolio of streamed events: "We’ve streamed the Super Bowl, World Cup, Olympics, and WrestleMania in the past; Premier League each weekend; Sunday Night Football throughout the season." Cordella underscored his faith in the technical team's ability to deliver, stating, "This is not new territory for us, and I have confidence that our product and tech teams will deliver a great experience for the viewers Saturday evening."
Looking Ahead
The Wild Card Weekend schedule spans Saturday through Monday, offering a packed slate of games for fans. As the playoff atmosphere intensifies, all eyes will be on the performance of both the teams and the broadcasters. Will the Lions vs Rams showdown surpass the current Wild Card viewership record? Can Peacock's exclusive streaming of the Chiefs vs Dolphins match set a precedent for future broadcasts?
With the industry's leaders expressing unwavering confidence in their platforms and the promise of thrilling gridiron battles ahead, this Wild Card Weekend may indeed mark a pivotal chapter in NFL history—both on the field and across the airwaves. The stage is set, the players are ready, and millions of fans are poised to witness potentially record-breaking moments in football fandom.