NFL Playoff Ratings See Slight Dip, Leaving fans and Analysts Wondering
The NFL postseason has seen a dip in viewership so far this year. both the divisional and wild-card rounds experienced declines compared too the previous year. While the exact reasons for this trend remain unclear, several factors may be contributing to it.
According to data released by Sports Business Journal [[1](https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/01/21/nfl-divisional-round-viewership) ], the divisional round saw viewership drop by seven percent, with average audience numbers declining from 40 million to 37.1 million viewers. This follows a 9.3 percent decline witnessed during the wildcard round, where viewership fell from 31.2 million to 28.3 million,as per reports from NBC Sports [[2](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/total-2024-wild-card-audience-dips-by-9-3-percent-from-2023).
all eyes are now on the upcoming conference championship games. The Eagles will host the Commanders at 3:00 p.m.ET, followed by the Bills facing the Chiefs in Kansas City at 6:30 p.m. ET. This comes after last year saw notable viewership numbers in these contests, with the Ravens-chiefs game averaging 55.473 million viewers and Lions-49ers attracting a whopping 56.6 million viewers.
Analysts are speculating on the causes behind the decline in viewership. The expansion of the college football playoff could be leading to “football fatigue” among fans. Others suggest that viewers might potentially be tired of seeing the Chiefs, who are making their seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance and vying for their fifth Super Bowl berth in six seasons.
While the reasons remain open to debate, football fans and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see if the NFL can bounce back and regain its viewership momentum during these crucial championship games.
How might the Chiefs’ repeated appearances in the AFC Championship game be impacting NFL playoff viewership?
NFL Playoff Ratings See Slight Dip, Leaving fans and Analysts Wondering
The NFL postseason has seen a dip in viewership so far this year.both the divisional and wild-card rounds experienced declines compared too the previous year. While the exact reasons for this trend remain unclear, several factors may be contributing to it.
According to data released by Sports Business Journal [[1](https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/01/21/nfl-divisional-round-viewership) ], the divisional round saw viewership drop by seven percent, with average audience numbers declining from 40 million to 37.1 million viewers. this follows a 9.3 percent decline witnessed during the wildcard round, where viewership fell from 31.2 million to 28.3 million,as per reports from NBC Sports [[2](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/total-2024-wild-card-audience-dips-by-9-3-percent-from-2023).
all eyes are now on the upcoming conference championship games. the Eagles will host the Commanders at 3:00 p.m.ET, followed by the Bills facing the Chiefs in Kansas City at 6:30 p.m. ET. This comes after last year saw notable viewership numbers in these contests, with the Ravens-chiefs game averaging 55.473 million viewers and lions-49ers attracting a whopping 56.6 million viewers.
Analysts are speculating on the causes behind the decline in viewership. The expansion of the college football playoff could be leading to “football fatigue” among fans. Others suggest that viewers might possibly be tired of seeing the Chiefs, who are making their seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance and vying for their fifth Super Bowl berth in six seasons.
While the reasons remain open to debate, football fans and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see if the NFL can bounce back and regain its viewership momentum during these crucial championship games..
Q&A
Q: How much did viewership drop for the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs?
A: Viewership for the divisional round dropped by seven percent compared to last year, with an average audience of 37.1 million viewers according to Sports Business Journal [[1](https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/01/21/nfl-divisional-round-viewership)].
Q: What are some potential reasons for the decline in NFL playoff viewership?
A: Analysts are considering several factors, including potential “football fatigue” due to the expanded college football playoff and the Chiefs’ repeated appearances in the AFC Championship game.
Q: Are the upcoming Conference Championship games expected to see similar viewership numbers as last year?
A: It remains to be seen. last year’s conference championship games drew huge audiences,but this year’s games will be crucial in determining if the NFL can regain its momentum.stay tuned!
