More fans are watching NFL games on television through the season's first nine weeks than ever before, according to information provided by The Nielsen Company.
More than 175 million fans have tuned in to at least part of an NFL game this season – topping the 170 million viewers at this point last year. The average NFL game telecast (including broadcast and cable) has drawn 18.3 million viewers – double the average primetime viewership (8.6 million) for the big four broadcast networks in the new television season.
Following are some fast facts about the NFL on TV at midseason:
NFL games account for the 14 most-watched programs on television since the NFL season kicked off on Sept. 9. This compares to NFL games accounting for the six most-watched shows at this point last season and none of the top 15 shows five years ago.
NFL games are averaging 18.3 million viewers – up seven percent from last year at this point (17.2 million).
NFL games account for the 30 most-watched programs on television (since Sept. 9) among adults aged 18-49 – with each of the networks televising NFL games represented on that list.
An NFL game telecast has been television's most-watched program in each of the nine weeks of the NFL season.
NFL games top the local ratings in NFL markets 86 percent of the time – the highest rate in history after nine weeks.
10 NFL clubs have posted local-market ratings increases of at least 20 percent compared to last year at this time.
49ers named among NFL's most improved teams in free agency by ESPN analyst
By David Bonilla
Mar 14
It may be too early to crown the winners of the 2026 NFL free agency period, but that hasn't stopped ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz from identifying several teams that have significantly improved their rosters this offseason—including the San Francisco 49ers.
Schatz named five...
5 things for 49ers fans to know about Dre Greenlaw's 2025 season with the Broncos
By Kirk Larrabee
Mar 12
49ers fans are obviously extremely familiar with recently re-signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw, which makes the type of lengthy introduction pieces that 49ers Webzone has been giving to new players unnecessary. But for any 49ers fans who didn't pay much attention to Greenlaw in...
Report: 49ers contact Cowboys about DT Osa Odighizuwa
By David Bonilla
Mar 10
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Dallas Cowboys are fielding calls about defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, and the San Francisco 49ers are among the teams that have reached out.
"Two league sources say that the San Francisco 49ers are among the...
Report: 49ers have interest in Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs
By David Bonilla
Mar 5
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to explore wide receiver options this offseason, and according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the team has interest in both Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs.
San Francisco's wide receiver room could undergo significant changes this...