Perhaps the Bills and New York Jets game should be included within a “super match” schedule, as this recent match-up has been one of the most highly anticipated by everyone, drawing 17.3 million total viewers across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. The game had its share of exciting plays and outstanding player performances, which, of course, gave everyone the feeling that the National Football League is still on top in terms of TV ratings.
There was always the loyal following to the NFL schedule through the Monday Night Football broadcast. Monday Night Football is one of the staples which guarantees a good number of eyeballs to the television. This match was no exception, especially since the game involved much-awaited rivalry between two teams belonging to the AFC East division.
A simulcast on the ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 networks means more people can see the game live. ESPN’s multi-network strategy remains one of effectiveness-the ability to give the fan options. Still, the overall combined audience of 17.3 million further illustrates how the league has farmed the relationship of broadcasting to maximize reach.
ESPN has invested so heavily to make Monday Night Football a product that viewers simply cannot miss; for this reason, they have added advanced analytics, deep commentary, and special camera angles in its presentation. These result in broadcasts absolutely dominating the landscape of prime-time television thanks to the inherently dramatic NFL narratives.
This game featured the Buffalo Bills, with Josh Allen coming off a stellar performance at quarterback, as they put up a fight against the promising New York Jets team assembled from various new signings. These teams pitted their wits against each other within what would soon be a competitive division after years of AFC East division failures started to rise – such as New England had it with Tom Brady back in the mix. This was so much more than just a regular-season affair, as both teams needed a win to make their statement.
It was a must-win game for the Jets, a rebuilding team eyeing playoff contention. For the Bills, who have grown to be a force in the AFC early in the season, there was something to prove. All that drama surrounding this rivalry likely led to some of the high viewership numbers, making the fans watch a game full of promise and stakes.
The NFL remains the ratings champ of television in the U.S. This season, like any other, NFL games remain largely the standard for ratings, indicating the league has strength in week in and week out of maintaining mass audiences that can be entertained and captivated. Adding streaming options, as well as simulcasting on networks such as ABC and ESPN, has helped the NFL extend the horizons for growth of the sport on entertainment platforms, and ultimately cements its place at the very top in sports entertainment.
That 17.3 million viewers for the Bills-Jets game also fit into the NFL’s wider plan to broadcast multi-platform dominance. The league has invested resources into content production available on both traditional television networks and digital platforms, giving the most amount of fans more ways to watch their favorite teams.
These viewership numbers certainly suggest that more NFL games will continue to stretch into later seasons. Nobody, as Bills and Jets teams fight for divisional dominance, expects slightly flagging interest in their games. The NFL has clearly tapped into the formula of competitive, high-stakes games broadcast across multiple platforms.
The strong showing of the Bills-Jets broadcast Saturday night helped cement the NFL’s spot at the head of American television and, with several showcase games left in the season, it would seem that the league is well prepared to hold its position as the ratings champion.
