Drew Brees # 9 of the New Orleans Saints dives into the end zone to score a one-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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The National Football League took off for the opening of the playoff, led by ViacomCBS Sports and the simultaneous broadcast of Nickelodeon, which attracted more than 30 million viewers combined.
Sunday’s CBS broadcast between the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears drew about 30 million viewers, and its children’s version on Nickelodeon drew approximately 2 million, making it Nickelodeon’s “most watched show among the total viewers in almost four years, “said the network.
The NFL’s attempt to attract younger viewers drew praise for its digital effects with the Nickelodeon theme and comments on social media. The game saw Saints beat Bears, 21-9, and also featured Saints coach Sean Payton, being attacked by Nickelodeon in the postgame.
Sunday’s NBC Sports Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns contest also averaged 26 million across all platforms and 24.8 million viewers on NBC and peaked at 27.6 million viewers at around 9:15 am to 9:30 am. Bowl LIV last February.
The Browns defeated the Steelers 48-37, for the club’s first postseason victory since 1995. And it could be the last time longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wears a Steelers uniform.
Pittsburgh Steelers No. 7 Ben Roethlisberger in action against Cleveland Browns No. 94 Adrian Clayborn on January 11, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Justin K. Aller | Getty Images
Roethlisberger, who launched four interceptions in the game, will be a $ 41 million salary cap for the team next season, leading to speculation that the Steelers could part ways with the 38-year-old, who will turn 39 in March.
The NBC playoff game on Saturday, with another longtime quarterback who changed teams, Tom Brady, averaged 21.4 million viewers watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the Washington Football Team.
Brady and Saints quarterback Drew Brees face off for the third time this season, as the Saints will host the Bucs this weekend. The pair helped Fox Sports attract more than 25 million viewers in its first contest in week 1.
Fox said Saturday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks averaged 23.9 million viewers on its channel. ESPN reported 24.8 million viewers to its Baltimore Ravens-Tennessee Titans mega-cast. The Disney-owned network broadcast the game on its ABC and ESPN channels.