NFL games continue to dominate their counterparts in terms of viewership ratings.
The game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers averaged 17.387 million viewers, making it the most-watched Week 1 regional game in two decades.
Two weeks later, the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys established another Monday Night Football record, as shared by NFL insider Dov Kleiman.
The #Giants–#Cowboys Monday Night Football game generated 19.3 million viewers.
It was the most watched Week 3 MNF game in history.pic.twitter.com/j8Dubwi4ai
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 28, 2022
Kleiman tweeted, “The #Giants–#Cowboys Monday Night Football game generated 19.3 million viewers. It was the most watched Week 3 MNF game in history.”
The corresponding graphic also pointed out a 29 percent year-over-year increase in viewership.
Likewise, Monday Night Football games for Weeks 1 and 3 are the third and fourth most-watched Monday games since ESPN took over the broadcast in 2006.
It was an ideal matchup for television because it featured division rivals in the NFC East.
There’s also an aura surrounding the Cowboys that makes a large audience tune in, whether they are a fan or a hater.
Football enthusiasts would also like to see if Cooper Rush can lead Dallas to another victory.
Meanwhile, the Giants were looking for their third victory in as many games.
Getting that win would have been a tremendous achievement because they won only four games last season.
The Game Lived Up To The Hype
The Giants-Cowboys matchup became more interesting in the second half when the scoring picked up.
The Cowboys’ defense was also making life difficult for Daniel Jones, who had to bail out his squad in several instances.
New York had a chance to send the game to overtime, if not for Trevon Diggs‘ interception.
It’s a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Therefore, the high ratings come in as no surprise.
On the other hand, Kleiman also pointed out that the low-scoring game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos still pulled in an average of 18.9 million viewers.
NEXT: Should Packers Fans Be Worried About Second Half Scoring?
