The enduring tradition of the Dallas Cowboys gracing the NFL’s Thanksgiving schedule proved its worth once again with the spectacular viewership ratings for Thursday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders. In a convincing display of dominance, the Cowboys clinched a resounding 45-10 victory over their NFC East rivals.
According to CBS Sports PR, the game averaged millions of viewers, thus securing its spot among the top 5 most watched NFL regular games in the history of the sport. Now it raises the question about the rankings of this game, and what are other NFL regular season games that deserve the same spotlight as this one.
Top 5 most-watched regular season games
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The NFL has experienced ebbs and flows in popularity and scrutiny over the years, leading to fluctuations in ratings and viewership. However, in the current season, there appears to be a notable trend of increasing fan engagement. Week by week, more fans are tuning in to witness their favorite teams engage in fierce battles on the field.
5. New England Patriots vs Kansas City Chiefs – 2019
The highly anticipated showdown between quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes has consistently captivated NFL fans, marking their third encounter with a staggering 34.584 million viewers tuning in. The first clash occurred during the 2018 season, resulting in a high-scoring spectacle with a final score of 43-40.
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TUNE IN: https://t.co/k9XviYTzcT pic.twitter.com/COd8ytAhDQ
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) November 20, 2021
Subsequently, their paths crossed again in the AFC championship game, where Mahomes and his team faced defeat against the Patriots. The third meeting in 2019 finally witnessed Mahomes’ victory over Brady with a final score of 23-16.
4. Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 2021
The Thanksgiving matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders captivated a substantial audience, drawing a massive 38.531 million viewers. This remarkable viewership establishes the game as the fourth all-time most-watched regular-season NFL broadcast.
The @NFLonCBS Thanksgiving Day Game Scores Big With Viewers, Projects as Most-Watched NFL-Regular Season Game on Any Network Since 1990
Full Release: https://t.co/sKg4wCVTWJ pic.twitter.com/pISjA81lXP
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) November 26, 2021
In a thrilling culmination to the Thanksgiving football spectacle, the Raiders clinched a hard-fought 33-30 victory against the Cowboys, with the decisive moment coming from a precisely executed field goal. The game showcased not only the competitive spirit of the teams but also the unpredictability that makes football such a captivating and beloved pastime.
3. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders – 2023
The matchup between the Washington Commanders and the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, airing during the middle window, commanded a massive audience, averaging 41.4 million viewers according to CBS. This exceptional viewership places the game as the most-watched show since Super Bowl LVII, emphasizing the increasing popularity of NFL broadcasts.
Yes, it was a blowout. But that didn't stop 41.4 million from tuning in to watch Commanders-Cowboys on Thanksgiving, making it the third most-watched regular season game ever. https://t.co/mAYo6FQWnc
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 25, 2023
The Thanksgiving clash, despite the Cowboys dominating the Commanders in a 45-10 victory, had a massive impact on the game. This match-up has created history and will be remembered for a long time in the future of the NFL.
2. New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers – 1990
The 90s marked an era in football history defined by the extraordinary partnership of quarterback Joe Montana and wide receiver Jerry Rice. Their on-field synergy and exceptional performances became a captivating spectacle for fans, drawing widespread admiration.
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The game featuring the two NFL legends recorded a remarkable 41.6 million viewers. Still standing as the second highest-viewed regular-season NFL game of all time.
1. Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants – 2022
The Thanksgiving Day clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants marked a historic moment in NFL viewership, setting a record for the largest audience ever recorded for a regular-season game. The intense competition concluded with the Cowboys securing a 28-20 victory. This also captivated an average audience of 42.1 million viewers on Fox and Fox Sports streaming platforms.
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It’s quite interesting to see that three out of five games belong to the Dallas Cowboys. So, it’s not a stretch to say that the Cowboys team is currently the biggest draw in the NFL. They’ve delivered high viewership consecutively for three years on Thanksgiving games. What are your thoughts about this? Let us know in the comments section.
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