NFL on FOX’s kick-off to the 2012 playoffs, featuring a matchup between the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons, scored an impressive 17.3/36 household rating/share (27.7 million viewers), according to Nielsen Media Research. The rating for yesterday’s dominating performance by the Giants defense was up +1% over last year’s comparable 17.1/35 (28.4 million) for the early Wildcard Game on CBS and ranks as the highest-rated 1:00 PM ET Sunday Wildcard game on any network since 2004’s 19.1/39 (29.3 million) for an overtime game between Seattle and Green Bay on FOX.
Sunday’s game opened with a 13.4/30 (21.1 million viewers) at 1:06 PM ET, and grew steadily throughout the broadcast peaking at a 19.3/38 (31.1 million viewers) at 3:00 PM ET. As the New York Giants opened up a huge lead over the Atlanta Falcons, viewership for the final half-hour (3:30 – 4:00 PM ET) declined to an 18.7/37 (30.5 million viewers).
Atlanta led all markets with a 30.6/52 while New York averaged a 24.8/48 for Giants/Falcons. With the winner of yesterday’s game facing the Green Bay Packers next Sunday, Milwaukee had a vested interest in the game led all non-home markets with a 29.5/52, while New Orleans tallied a 29.1/44.
FOX Sports’ exclusive coverage of the NFC Divisional Playoffs continues this weekend beginning with the New Orleans Saints traveling to San Francisco to take on the 49ers. Coverage begins at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, Jan 14. On Sunday Jan. 15, FOX NFL SUNDAY kicks-off at 4:00 PM ET before New York Giants take on the Green Bay Packers from Lambeau Field. Coverage of the NFC Championship Game begins at 6:00 PM ET on Sunday, Jan. 22.
(source; FOX)
