The NFL's Wild Card Weekend has always been a thrilling time for football fans, and this year's matchups are shaping up to be no exception. With the anticipation of record-breaking viewership numbers, the stage is set for an unforgettable series of games.
Historical Viewership Records
In 2015, the Detroit Lions faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in a Wild Card game that attracted an astounding 42 million viewers, setting the bar high for future broadcasts. This record has stood strong, but last year's clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Cowboys came close with a viewership of 41.5 million, marking the highest in seven years. As the Lions prepare to take on the Los Angeles Rams, there is speculation that this upcoming game could surpass all previous records.
Consistently High Numbers
Wild Card Weekend consistently draws large audiences, with projections indicating that each game will attract at least 25 million viewers. Reflecting on last year's performances, the New York Giants versus the Minnesota Vikings led the pack with 33.21 million viewers. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars' game against the Los Angeles Chargers also had a significant turnout, with over 20 million tuning in.
The 2023 Wild Card Weekend saw impressive viewership as well, with both the Dallas versus Washington match and the Buffalo Bills against the Miami Dolphins drawing 21.73 million viewers each. These figures place both games within the top five most-watched of that weekend.
Streaming Success
As streaming becomes more prevalent, platforms like Amazon Prime have seen substantial growth in their sports broadcasting segments. Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime experienced a 24 percent increase in viewership, averaging 11.86 million viewers per game. This trend towards digital consumption is evident as the Kansas City Chiefs versus Miami Dolphins game will be streamed exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal Media Group's streaming service.
NBC Sports, a division under the same corporate umbrella, is well-versed in delivering live sports content online. They have successfully streamed major events such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics. The move to offer an exclusive stream on Peacock is backed by their extensive experience and proven track record in the field.
Expert Confidence
Hans Schroeder, expressing his views on the transition to streaming, stated, "Obviously, we’re taking a big step forward here with Peacock." He continued to convey his enthusiasm for the platform's potential, "We’re excited about this next step of making the game exclusively available on Peacock, but we do that with a lot of confidence and a lot of experience already behind us."
Rick Cordella, echoing Schroeder's sentiments, added, "We’ve streamed the Super Bowl, World Cup, Olympics, and WrestleMania in the past; Premier League each weekend; Sunday Night Football throughout the season. This is not new territory for us, and I have confidence that our product and tech teams will deliver a great experience for the viewers Saturday evening."
Preparation and Contingency
With such a significant shift towards exclusive streaming for a game of this magnitude, NBC Sports has made it clear that they are not taking any chances. Contingency plans are in place to ensure that the broadcast goes smoothly, minimizing the risk of technical difficulties that could detract from the viewer experience.
The Wild Card Weekend schedule is packed with action across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, offering fans a full slate of games to enjoy. As teams vie for their chance to advance further into the playoffs, the excitement is palpable, and the potential for history-making moments is high.
As we head into another electrifying Wild Card Weekend, all eyes will be on these crucial matchups. Whether you're watching from the comfort of your home or streaming on your device, one thing is certain: the NFL continues to captivate audiences with its high-stakes drama and competitive spirit.