- May 21, 2026
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Sunday night's instant classic between the Rams and Broncos didn't start that way. And a lopsided first half, which had L.A. leading Denver 16-0, may have resulted in fewer viewers sticking around for the fireworks.
An average of 20.8 million watched the game on NBC and Peacock.
It's the third straight year in which the first four NBC games surpassed 20 million. Still, the quality of the teams involved and the thrilling nature of the finish suggest it should have been higher.
By way of comparison, the Chiefs-Giants Sunday night game from Week 3 in 2025 averaged 25.3 million. While the final score was lopsided (the Chiefs won, 22-9), the score at the half was 9-6. And it was a one-score game until the final points were scored with 6:03 to play.
For regular-season games, plenty of factors determine the viewership. After a slate of exciting Sunday afternoon games, it would have been very easy for plenty of fans to check out when it seemed after the first two quarters that the Rams would win easily.
Those who stuck around got rewarded for it.
An average of 20.8 million watched the game on NBC and Peacock.
It's the third straight year in which the first four NBC games surpassed 20 million. Still, the quality of the teams involved and the thrilling nature of the finish suggest it should have been higher.
By way of comparison, the Chiefs-Giants Sunday night game from Week 3 in 2025 averaged 25.3 million. While the final score was lopsided (the Chiefs won, 22-9), the score at the half was 9-6. And it was a one-score game until the final points were scored with 6:03 to play.
For regular-season games, plenty of factors determine the viewership. After a slate of exciting Sunday afternoon games, it would have been very easy for plenty of fans to check out when it seemed after the first two quarters that the Rams would win easily.
Those who stuck around got rewarded for it.