From 1947 through 1960, each NFL team played 12 games per season. The American Football League began play in 1960 and introduced a balanced schedule of 14 games per team over a fifteen-week season, in which each of the eight teams played each of the other teams twice, with one bye week. NFL Media reported on Tuesday that Saturday's game between the Lions and Buccaneers drew 6.3 million viewers, which is up 13% from the same time slot last season. How Many Plays Does An Average NFL Team Play A Game? Each team will usually average between 60 to 70 plays a game, but this can vary by season as well. Putting those together, you will see between 120-140 plays between both offenses within an NFL game. In 1987, a players strike shortened the NFL season by two weeks. In 1982, an earlier players strike caused the NFL to shorten its season from 16 games to only nine. Check out this NFL Schedule, sortable by date and including information on game time, network coverage, and more!
- How Many Total Football Games In A Nfl Season
- How Many Total Games In Nfl Season
- How Many Games Total In Nfl Regular Season
- How Many Total Games Are In An Nfl Season
NFL ratings, a look forward: The 2020 NFL season is closing up shop on the regular schedule. It's been a rather interesting year around the gridiron world. Even the season's NFL TV ratings have been interesting.
There was a lot of talk about said NFL ratings once the season started amid national anthem protests following the death of George Floyd, for which four Minneapolis police officers await trial including one officer charged with second-degree murder of Floyd. With the country in the midst of an election year, this was magnified even further.'
Since then, things have trended both up and down. The opening 'Thursday Night Football' game between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs saw horrible numbers. This was repeated over and over again until things seemed to even out.
Below, we look at NFL TV ratings and the 2020 season with updates as the final quarter of the campaign plays out on our television sets amid the pandemic.
Related: What to make of decreased NFL ratings
Updated: Feb. 9, 11:53 PM EST
NFL TV ratings wrap: Super Bowl LV sees major downtick in viewership
Perhaps, fans were not excited to see play in his 10th Super Bowl. There's a good chance that the lack of parties due to the COVID-19 pandemic played a role, too. Either way, Super Bowl LV between the eventual champion Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs represented the worst ratings for the big time since all the way back in 1969.
According to Sports Media Watch, the game drew the lowest ratings for a championship bout in the league since Super Bowl III between the then-Baltimore Colts and New York Jets.
'It was just the seventh Super Bowl with less than a 40 rating, and the first since 1990 (49ers-Broncos: 39.0) — snapping a 30-year streak.'
That specific Super Bowl matchup saw Joe Montana and the 49ers defeat John Elway's Denver Broncos by the score of 55-10, the biggest blowout in the history of the big game.
As we have noted throughout, NFL TV ratings were a mixed back throughout the 2020 season. The pandemic coupled with an election year and political divisiveness around the United States played a major role in this. With the league struggling revenue-wise due to COVID-19, seeing one of the lowest-rated Super Bowls in NFL history can't be seen as a great thing.
NFL TV ratings up for AFC Championship Game, NFC Championship Game
The mixed bag as it relates to NFL ratings for the 2020 season continued during Championship Sunday. After seeing a drop during the NFL Wildcard weekend, both the AFC and NFC Championship Games saw increases from a season ago.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Buccaneers' win over the Packers in the NFC Championship Game drew 44.77 million viewers. That's up 5% from the 49ers' win over the Packers in last season's conference title game. Meanwhile, the Chiefs' victory over Buffalo in the other conference title game drew 41.85 million viewers. That's up 2% from last season's Chiefs win over the Titans.
Related: We've already got our 2022 Super Bowl pick, along with next year's NFL playoff teams.
Given the backdrop of NFL ratings during the 2020 season and how they have been coupled with the political dynamics in the United States, it must be noted that Championship Sunday had a bit different of a feel to it.
For comparison's sake, Wildcard Weekend came mere days after the attack on Capitol Hill and with President Biden's inauguration pending. With those two things in the rear-view mirror, fans were actually able to pay attention to sports. Novel concept.
NFL TV ratings down big time for wildcard round
Despite having two extra games during the wildcard round the playoffs this season, interest was not there from football fans around the United States. According to Sportico, ratings for the games were down 25% on Saturday compared to last year and 20% on Sunday. That's a major downtick in ratings for the NFL.
There's a number of things that could be behind the ratings decrease. Perhaps, the general public was not too interested in watching sports considering what's going on in the United States today following the attack on Capitol Hill last week.
It's also possible that 10 consecutive hours of football each day played a role here. Heck, the matchups might not have been seen as too juice. Either way, this is something to watch heading into the divisional round next weekend.
NFL TV ratings for Week 16 up significantly from last season
A 2020 NFL campaign that has been somewhat defined by a politically-based rift between former President Donald Trump and the league of national anthem protests has also led to a lot of talk about NFL ratings on the boob tube. We have some more information about Week 16's slate of action, and it's pretty darn good for the league.
NFL Media reported on Tuesday that Saturday's game between the Lions and Buccaneers drew 6.3 million viewers, which is up 13% from the same time slot last season. The Dolphins' stunning win over the Raiders Saturday night represented the most-watched NFL Network exclusive of the season. Meanwhile, the NFL Network itself was television's most-watched network on Dec. 26.
Meanwhile, 20.1 million viewers tuned in to watch Saints running back Alvin Kamara torch the Minnesota Vikings for six rushing touchdowns on Christmas Day. Aired on Fox and NFL Network, that viewership was up 19% from the NFL's previous Christmas Day game between the Steelers and Texans in 2017.
NFL ratings decline has networks scrambling
We've focused below on the up-and-down NFL TV ratings thus far this season. Not much of that had to to with networks and their relationships with sponsors as a decline becomes around around the football world. Whether it's the ongoing pandemic or something else, said decline has forced networks to scramble and strengthen relationships with sponsors.
'TV networks are feeling the strains of disappointing NFL ratings, as they are forced to restructure deals with advertisers to make up for the smaller audience, and their opportunity to make money off remaining games during the lucrative holiday season narrows,' the Wall Street Journal reported this past weekend.
Those close to this situation called it 'unheard of.' Some of the broadcast networks, such as CBS and Fox, has even considered advertisers pay less than what they had originally pledges to air ads during NFL games.
Throughout the first 13 weeks of the 2020 season, NFL TV ratings are down 7% from a season ago. That might not seem like a lot. But when we look at ad revenue, the economic downtick from COVID-19 and the NFL's own revenue issues, it is no small thing. That's for sure.
NFL TV ratings: A broad look
As you can tell, it has been a mixed bag. A lot of the NFL TV ratings numbers are dependent on specific matchups and competition on the air waves.
Back in 2016, during the presidential election cycle, multiple 'Thursday Night Football' games went up against debates. That was not the case in 2020 with one debate between President Trump and president-elect Biden canceled and another midweek NFL game canceled. This was going to be among the primary indicators of the health of NFL TV ratings. That's obviously not the case.
Related: President Trump takes aim at NFL
Monday Night Football ratings
Before the NFL season began, ESPN worked desperately to lure in a broadcasting crew that would entertain fans and increase viewership. After missing out on Tony Romo, Peyton Manning and even Sean McVay, ESPN settled on its backup plan.
Those close to this situation called it 'unheard of.' Some of the broadcast networks, such as CBS and Fox, has even considered advertisers pay less than what they had originally pledges to air ads during NFL games.
Throughout the first 13 weeks of the 2020 season, NFL TV ratings are down 7% from a season ago. That might not seem like a lot. But when we look at ad revenue, the economic downtick from COVID-19 and the NFL's own revenue issues, it is no small thing. That's for sure.
NFL TV ratings: A broad look
As you can tell, it has been a mixed bag. A lot of the NFL TV ratings numbers are dependent on specific matchups and competition on the air waves.
Back in 2016, during the presidential election cycle, multiple 'Thursday Night Football' games went up against debates. That was not the case in 2020 with one debate between President Trump and president-elect Biden canceled and another midweek NFL game canceled. This was going to be among the primary indicators of the health of NFL TV ratings. That's obviously not the case.
Related: President Trump takes aim at NFL
Monday Night Football ratings
Before the NFL season began, ESPN worked desperately to lure in a broadcasting crew that would entertain fans and increase viewership. After missing out on Tony Romo, Peyton Manning and even Sean McVay, ESPN settled on its backup plan.
Unfortunately for the network, in a year that saw the company lay off 300-plus employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NFL ratings have taken a hit this season. Monday Night Football was already the lesser football package for NFL games and the decline in viewership hasn't helped.
- Monday Night Football, Week 12: 11.38 million viewers and 3.4 rating, per SportsMediaWatch, tuned in for Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles game.
- MNF, Week11: 12.61 million viewers and 3.6 rating (18-49) for Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers battle.
- MNF, Week10: 11.45 million viewers, 3.2 rating for Monday night's NFC North battle between Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.
- MNF, Week9: 10.22 million viewers and 2.8 rating for the New England Patriots and New York Jets matchup.
- MNF, Week8: 11.7 million viewers, 3.5 rating (18-49 demographic) for ESPN's Buccaneers and New York Giants broadcast.
- MNF, Week7: 10.91 million viewers, another dip for MNF, for Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams game.
- MNF, Week6: 11.32 million viewers watched the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys on ESPN.
- MNF, Week5: 10.69 million tuned in for the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints clash.
- MNF, Week4: 8.65 million people watched the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons, the lowest-rated MNF game of the NFL season.
- MNF, Week3: 14.7 million viewers witnessed the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens square off, a huge boom for ESPN.
- MNF, Week2: 15.59 million watched the New Orleans Saints and las Vegas Raiders, the most-watched MNF game this season. The NFL's first nationally-televised game with a Las Vegas team was gold for ratings.
- MNF, Week1: ESPN's MNF double-header, featuring the Steelers-Giants and Titans-Broncos game showed the first signs of NFL ratings taking a hit.
While things haven't gone perfectly this year for ESPN, it hasn't lessened the network's desire to expand its NFL coverage. The contract with the NFL to broadcast MNF games ends in 2021 and contract talks are already underway.
However, ESPN is thinking even bigger than Monday Night Football. There are discussions about the network, or its partner ABC, broadcasting a future Super Bowl. ESPN is also reportedly in a bidding war with NBC for the rights to Sunday Night Football.
The NFL is expected to sign multiple record-setting contracts with television networks to renew and even expand broadcasting rights for future games. Even with viewership dipping this season, nothing draws a bigger audience than NFL games. Unsurprisingly, ESPN, NBC, FOX and CBS all want a part of that.
Sports TV ratings and national anthem protests
Related: NFL supports Black Live Matter
Following the death of George Floyd and the police officer-involved shooting and death of Breonna Taylor, athletes across the country started using their platform more than ever before. With millions of Americans protesting across the United States, professional athletes were no longer staying silent.'
The NFL and NBA garnered the most attention for the efforts of players, teams and the league itself. However, MLB also strayed from precedented and spoke during a time of civil unrest.
MLB ratings for 2020 season
Major League Baseball released a statement following Floyd's killing. Additionally, Minnesota Twins skipper Rocco Baldelli spoke out about police brutality and the need for systemic changes within the country. The Boston Red Sox had Black Lives Matter signage along the bleachers at Fenway Park. In one of MLB's biggest moments this past season, San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler and several players kneeled during the national anthem.
When a delayed Opening Day finally happened on July 24, the game shattered MLB ratings. Just a year after the MLB Playoffs drew a massive audience, things looked promising for baseball. However, even as the league went silent about social justice as the year unfolded, its viewership got worse.
The 2020 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays drew an alarmingly low audience. Competing against the NFL's regular season and the NBA Playoffs, MLB's broadcasts were routinely crushed in the ratings. NFL TV ratings remain king.
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NHL Stanley Cup ratings
Things were even worse for the NHL. Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final got off to a miserable start. When the six-game series ended, with the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrating over the Dallas Stars, it was the least-watched Stanley Cup in more than a decade.
Even with the NHL largely avoiding political messages and focusing primarily on the sport itself, none of it mattered. The combination of games being played in an empty stadium and sports fans having their attention divided across multiple sports led to a steep hit in ratings.
NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals ratings compared to NFL TV ratings
The NBA and its players were the most active in calling for systemic change in the United States and supporting the Black Lives Matter message.
Before the NBA returned in the Orlando bubble, there was legitimate discussion about suspending the rest of the schedule. Players were angry about the latest incidents of police brutality, with some willing to give up a lot in the name of change.
How Many Total Football Games In A Nfl Season
Related: NBA national anthem protests
When the season resumed, the NBA had Black Lives Matter on every court. Then, just as everything seemed to be going smoothly, it all stopped on Aug. 26. Following the shooting of Jacob Blake by police officers in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bucks held a wildcat strike for Game 5 of their playoff series.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers seriously considered sitting out the rest of the NBA Playoffs. Ultimately, when NBA teams agreed to make more accommodations to help address justice reform and arenas would be used as polling places, the playoffs resumed.
Just like the NFL, MLB and NHL, the NBA's ratings also took a hit. Ratings fell by a staggering amount compared to the NBA Playoffs in 2019 and the NBA Finals suffered, too. It even led to a heated argument between Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Sen. Goal line betting soccer. Ted Cruz.
As you can see, NFL TV ratings might have declined thus far during the 2020 season. However, they remain the gold standard for other sports leagues in North America.
As die-hard football fans know, the NFL has the shortest regular season in major American professional sports. The season, which takes a significant physical and mental toll on players, is broken down in three blocks: preseason, regular season and playoffs.
Preseason games
How Many Total Games In Nfl Season
Thirty teams play four preseason games each. Two teams each play five preseason games, including the traditional Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Preseason games give coaches an opportunity to evaluate players and determine the final 53-man roster.
Regular-season games and playoffs
The regular season is played in 17 weeks, with each of the 32 teams receiving a bye — an off week.
After the regular season, the playoffs begin, with 12 teams participating in a single-elimination tournament culminating in a championship game we all know as the Super Bowl. In total, there are 11 playoff games: four in the wild-card round, four in the divisional round, two in the conference championships and, of course, the Super Bowl.
The playoffs are composed of the four division champions from each conference (the AFC and NFC) and two wild-card qualifiers from each conference — teams with the best records that did not win their divisions. The two division champions with the best record from each conference receive first-round byes and home-field advantage in the divisional round.
How Many Games Total In Nfl Regular Season
Total NFL games per season
How Many Total Games Are In An Nfl Season
In total, the NFL schedules 333 games each season: 65 preseason games, 256 regular-season games, 11 playoff games and the Pro Bowl — an all-star game featuring the best players from each conference. For passionate NFL fans, the season seems to fly by too fast.
