The Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants game on Thanksgiving featured a 4-7 team with its backup quarterback facing a 2-9 team with its third-string quarterback. As usual, NFL fans can’t get enough.
The second of three Thanksgiving games on Thursday averaged 38.5 million viewers, according to Fox Sports, making it the most-watched NFL game on any network this regular season. The audience reportedly peaked at 41.3 million viewers during the second quarter.
Ratings for the Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins-Green Bay Packers games have not yet been announced.
Pass the turducken! 🦃
THE @DallasCowboys The Thanksgiving victory on FOX attracted 38.5 million viewers and projects, making it the most-watched NFL telecast this regular season on any network.
The game peaked at 41.3 million viewers from 6:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. ET. pic.twitter.com/7Uce1TVONP
– FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) November 29, 2024
These numbers perpetuate the simple rule of sports media: While other leagues are doing their best to resist the ratings erosion that has affected the rest of the television industry, the NFL continues to see its numbers rise.
The millions of people who watched the series didn’t really get the best of the NFL. The Cowboys were still starting Cooper Rush at quarterback with Dak Prescott injured, while the Giants had Drew Lock after the release of Daniel Jones and an injury to Tommy DeVito.
New York briefly took a 7-3 lead in the first quarter, but Dallas led 27-10 late in the third. Both teams averaged less than five yards per play and fumbled twice, with 156 combined yards in penalties. The Cowboys were less bad, earning them a 27-20 victory to improve their record to 5-7.
