TV Ratings: Josh Allen Thrilling Victory Over Ravens Averaged 24.7 Million Viewers
The thrilling game between the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens drew the biggest Sunday night opener audience in three years.
NBC Sports announced that “Sunday Night Football” and the NFL‘s regular season opener last Thursday between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, also on NBC, averaged 26.5 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, according to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.
Buffalo’s 41-40 comeback victory was the most-watched Sunday night opener since 2022. The game drew an average audience of 24.7 million viewers, with viewership peaking in the first half at 28.2 million viewers. Like many Bills fans in the stadium, people detached from the game early on.
The Dallas-Philadelphia game averaged 31.9 million viewers and peaked for an NFL Kickoff game-record 34.3 million viewers.
It’s largest two-game NFL Kickoff Weekend audience since 2015 and the second-best opening in NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” two-decade history.
Only the NFL Kickoff Weekend from 2015 drew a larger audience. That weekend featured the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots, as well as the Cowboys and New York Giants on Sunday night. The games averaged 27.2 million viewers.
A new Peacock and NBC Sports streaming record was set across this year’s Kickoff Weekend, with an average minute audience of 4 million viewers.
Friday night’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers from São Paulo, Brazil drew over an average of 17.3 million viewers globally on YouTube.
CBS and Fox each reported historic viewership levels in recent years for the Sunday slates, with CBS saying the game between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions was the most watched CBS game since 1998.
Bill’s Josh Allen Looked Like the Reigning MVP
Bills quarterback Josh Allen led Buffalo back from a 15-point deficit with about four minutes remaining in the game on Sunday night.
In the frantic chaos of the fourth quarter, Allen refused to relent. He barreled into the end zone for two touchdowns, then added another through the air, with Keon Coleman snaring a tipped pass in traffic for the score. And just when it seemed the drama had reached its peak, the NFL’s reigning MVP orchestrated one final masterpiece: a nine-play, 66-yard march in the last 86 seconds. Calm under pressure, he guided his offense into position for Matt Prater’s 32-yard field goal, the kick sailing through as the clock struck zero.
“Our team didn’t quit,” Allen said after the game. “I think there’s people who left the stadium. That’s OK. We’ll be fine. But have some faith next time.”
Allen closed out the game completing 33 of his 46 passes for 394 yards and two touchdowns.
“Josh, he’s always been like that though. He wants the ball in key moments of the game,” head coach Sean McDermott said. “That’s what the great ones, that’s their mindset. That’s what they want, that’s what they do. And he’s never out of it in his mind.”
Ravens Offense Looked Mighty But a Mistake Was Costly
“I told my teammates after the game, put the loss on me. I own it like a man,” Henry said. “Got lackadaisical and they made a play. … If I take care of the ball, I feel like it would be a different situation.”
BREAKING: Phil Knight’s $2 Billion Donation to New York Yankees Will Redefine Baseball
In a groundbreaking move that is set to transform Major League Baseball, Nike co-founder Phil Knight has pledged an astonishing $2 billion to the New York Yankees. Announced Thursday, this historic contribution is one of the largest single investments ever made in professional sports, poised to impact player development, facilities, medical innovation, and the broader future of the game.
Knight, the visionary billionaire behind Nike’s global empire, has chosen the Yankees—arguably the most iconic franchise in baseball history—to benefit from his unprecedented donation. This massive pledge will support next-generation player training, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and revolutionary health initiatives, ushering in a new era for the Yankees and setting a benchmark for all of Major League Baseball.
Next-Level Player Development
At the core of this investment is the construction of world-class training facilities. These state-of-the-art centers will integrate AI-driven analytics, biomechanics, and advanced performance technologies, allowing the Yankees to optimize player development with unmatched precision. From hitting mechanics to pitching analytics, the new facilities will reduce injury risks, enhance recovery, and elevate every aspect of athlete performance.
The donation also funds pioneering medical programs focusing on player health, longevity, and rehabilitation. Addressing critical concerns such as arm injuries, concussions, and overall player wellness, Knight’s investment has the potential to set new league-wide standards for athlete care, influencing how professional baseball approaches health and performance for generations.
Phil Knight’s Vision and Legacy
Phil Knight has long been a driving force in sports innovation. His Nike empire revolutionized athletic footwear and apparel, and this $2 billion pledge to the Yankees reflects his commitment to advancing sports at every level. By choosing New York, Knight aligns with a franchise renowned for excellence, tradition, and a global fanbase, ensuring that his legacy will have lasting impact both on and off the field.
Knight’s investment emphasizes a forward-thinking vision for baseball, where technology, performance, and player welfare converge. This is not just a financial commitment—it’s a statement about shaping the future of the sport, ensuring the Yankees remain at the pinnacle of excellence while pioneering innovation across the league.
A Game-Changer for MLB
This transformative donation establishes a new precedent for philanthropy in professional sports. While other billionaires have funded stadiums or team operations, none have made a donation with this scale, scope, and focus on player development and health. With Knight’s contribution, the Yankees will gain a competitive advantage in recruiting elite talent and fostering future stars, while inspiring other MLB franchises to invest in advanced facilities and athlete wellness initiatives.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
Plans for the new facilities and programs are already underway. Construction is expected to begin within the next year, with completion targeted for 2027. Yankees fans can look forward to a revitalized organization, equipped with the tools to compete at the highest level, maintain dominance in the American League, and set a new standard for player development and wellness across the sport.
A Historic Milestone
Phil Knight’s $2 billion donation to the New York Yankees marks an unprecedented milestone in professional sports. By funding state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and revolutionary medical programs, Knight is redefining excellence, innovation, and athlete care. As the Yankees embark on this transformative journey, the sports world will be watching, and the impact of Knight’s vision will reverberate across baseball for decades to come.
