The improving NFL ratings in Week 2 on broadcast television did not translate to cable. After NFL Network experienced an awful Thursday Night Football premiere last week, Monday Night Football also delivered a low rating for ESPN in Week 2.
The Seahawks-Bears broadcast drew an 8.2 overnight rating, the lowest ever for a Monday Night Football Week 2 matchup.
Bears' 24-17 win over the Seahawks last night marked lowest Week 2 "MNF" overnight rating yet for ESPN (8.2). Previous low was 8.3 for Eagles-Bears in 2016. Had Emmys competition last night, but that also hit new low at 7.4 overnight on NBC
— Austin Karp (@AustinKarp) September 18, 2018
However, the 8.2 is at least a slight increase on Week 1’s doubleheader, which drew a 7.5 overnight for Jets-Lions and a 7.0 for Rams-Raiders.
ESPN's "Monday Night Football" overnights: 7.5 rating for Jets-Lions in early window. 7.0 rating for Rams-Raiders late. Tough comp to 2017 with Hurricane Irma. However, last night is pretty low historically for "MNF" opening doubleheader
— Austin Karp (@AustinKarp) September 11, 2018
A year ago, the Week 2 MNF matchup drew a final rating of 7.4 and 12.29 million viewers. The previous low overnight, as mentioned above by SBJ’s Austin Karp, came in 2016, when an Eagles-Bears matchup drew an 8.3. That game finished with a 7.3 rating and 12.1 million viewers.
It’s not encouraging for ESPN and the NFL that Monday Night Football wasn’t carried by the rising tides of Week 2’s ratings. Next week could represent a good opportunity for a ratings increase, though – the Pittsburgh Steelers are traveling to Tampa Bay.
About Joe Lucia
I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.