A Dip in Viewership

In a week where the excitement of Thursday Night Football typically reaches new heights, an unexpected downturn has taken center stage. The recent match-up between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers managed to bring in just 12.29 million viewers, which falls below the year-to-date average of 13.51 million. This viewership dip is particularly striking when compared to last week's electrifying battle between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions, which attracted 18.48 million viewers.

A Silver Lining

While these numbers may seem underwhelming at first glance, it’s essential to recognize a silver lining: this week’s viewership represents a remarkable 54% increase over the same match-up from last year, showcasing the growing popularity of NFL games on streaming platforms.

Upcoming Matchups

As the season progresses, there are two more exciting Thursday Night Football games in the lineup – the Denver Broncos facing off against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks taking on the Chicago Bears. Additionally, fans can look forward to a thrilling Prime Video playoff game, which is sure to attract major attention.

Lack of Action

However, the excitement of the Rams-49ers game was somewhat overshadowed by its lack of action. Notably, it marked the first time this season that neither team succeeded in scoring a touchdown, leaving many viewers feeling underwhelmed and prompting some to switch off their screens out of boredom.

The Future of Streaming Sports

Despite this hiccup, the future of streaming sports looks bright. With an increasing number of fans cutting their cable subscriptions, platforms like Prime Video are becoming integral to how audiences consume live sports. The NFL's commitment to expanding its streaming presence suggests that this trend is only set to grow, providing countless viewers with convenient access to their favorite games.

Conclusion

As viewers continue to adapt to new ways of watching sports, the question remains: will streaming become the dominant way fans engage with the NFL? One thing is for sure—changes are on the horizon, and the play is just getting started!