The next most watched game fell over 10 million watchers short, with the Philadelphia Eagles-Tampa Bay Buccaneers broadcast drawing 30.37 million viewers.
The history and competitiveness of both San Francisco and Dallas helped fuel Sunday's spike in viewers. Over 50 million (50.229 million) tuned in for the conclusion of the nail-biter. Meanwhile, the 41.5 million average viewer count approached the Wild Card record, a 2015 matchup between the Cowboys and Detroit Lions that drew an average of 42.32 million watchers. For perspective, last year's Wild Card games topped out with the Chicago Bears-New Orleans Saints double-cast, which drew 28.59 million viewers on CBS and an additional 2.06 million on Nickelodeon.
This year, the minimal decrease in Nickelodeon viewers was more than made up for by the national attention drawn by the 49ers-Cowboys rivalry.
The full viewership numbers are listed below. All times Eastern.
Saturday:
LV @ CIN - 27.7 million (4:30 PM, NBC)
NE @ BUF - 26.37 million (8:15 PM, CBS)
Sunday:
PHI @ TB - 30.37 million (1 PM, FOX)
SF @ DAL - 41.49 million (4:30 PM, CBS/NICK)
PIT @ KC - 28.93 million (8:15 PM, NBC)
Monday:
ARI @ LAR - 10.25 million (8:15 PM, ESPN/ESPN2)
Source - Showbuzz Daily
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Peter Schrager doubts Brock Purdy will earn over $55M annually from 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers would undoubtedly prefer to resolve their quarterback situation sooner rather than later. The team is negotiating with Brock Purdy on a contract extension, sparking significant debate about his standing among the NFL's top quarterbacks and market... -
Jones-Drew mock draft has 49ers fortifying D-line
Maurice Jones-Drew believes he knows the perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers in the upcoming draft. In his latest mock draft, the NFL.com analyst projects Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham to the team with the 11th overall pick. "The 49ers lost a ton of talent along... -
Pair of 2nd-year 49ers players switch jersey numbers
The San Francisco 49ers' offseason roster changes have allowed two second-year players to update their jersey numbers. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai, currently the team's third quarterback behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, has switched from No. 4 to No. 14. San Francisco 49ers... -
Former 49ers foe joining 3rd team in 3 years
Russell Wilson's time with the Pittsburgh Steelers lasted just one season. The veteran quarterback, a longtime nemesis of the San Francisco 49ers, is reportedly signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Giants, which could rise to $21 million with...