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.
Are these the 3 most likely 49ers cap casualties this offseason?
By David Bonilla
6 hrs
Bleacher Report analyst Alex Ballentine recently identified the three most likely salary-cap casualties for each NFL team this offseason, and one name on the San Francisco 49ers' list will come as little surprise: wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
General manager John Lynch has...
49ers end-of-season press conference: John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan to speak Wednesday
By David Bonilla
Jan 19
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will hold their annual end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, January 21, at 11:30 a.m. (PT), offering insight into the team's plans for the upcoming offseason.
The availability will allow local...
49ers' Kyle Shanahan excited about Jordan James heading into 2026 season
By David Bonilla
Jan 23
Jordan James saw limited action for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 season, playing just three offensive snaps—all coming in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts. He added 14 offensive snaps in the playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, including his first career...
49ers veteran defender praises teammate's strong rookie season
By David Bonilla
Jan 21
Upton Stout emerged as one of the top performers from the San Francisco 49ers' 2025 rookie class. The third-round pick finished the season as the team's highest-graded cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus. Among 49ers rookies who logged significant playing time, Stout...