Chicago Bears’ Dramatic Comeback Shatters College Football Playoff Viewing Figures
The Chicago Bears delivered a thrilling performance last weekend, staging a remarkable comeback against the Green Bay Packers that not only secured their victory but also significantly impacted the College Football Playoff (CFP) ratings. The Bears’ Week 16 overtime triumph, which ended with a score of 22-16, averaged an impressive 21.34 million viewers on FOX. This made it the standout sporting event amid a crowded slate of both professional and college football games.
Caleb Williams Shines with a Perfect Pass
The game was capped off by a stunning walk-off touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore, showcasing Williams’ extraordinary talent and composure under pressure. This decisive moment not only highlighted the Bears’ tenacity but also overshadowed the competing CFP matchup between James Madison and Oregon, which attracted a mere 4.4 million viewers on TNT.
NFL Dominance Over CFP Ratings
In a further display of NFL supremacy, the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the Washington Commanders earlier that same Saturday also outperformed the CFP contests. The Eagles’ game drew 15.46 million viewers, eclipsing the CFP’s Tulane versus Mississippi clash, which managed only 6.2 million viewers. When comparing the NFL’s ratings against the CFP, the disparity was stark, with the NFL winning its head-to-head matchups by margins of 385% and 150%.
The two CFP games that did not compete directly with the NFL still posted solid numbers, averaging nearly 15 million viewers. Notably, the Alabama-Oklahoma game attracted 14.9 million viewers on Friday night, while Miami-Texas A&M pulled in 14.8 million the following morning, prior to the NFL’s kickoff.
Football’s Christmas Takeover
This impressive showing from the NFL suggests a significant shift in viewership trends, particularly during the holiday season. As the NFL continues to capture audiences, it raises questions about the CFP’s ability to maintain its standing amid fierce competition. The Bears, currently in pursuit of the top seed in the NFC Playoffs, are set to travel to San Francisco for a Sunday night showdown against the 49ers, which is expected to draw another substantial television audience.
Looking Ahead: NFL’s Future Impact
While the Bears’ 21 million viewers were substantial, it still paled in comparison to the NFL’s most-watched game of the season—the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, which attracted a record-breaking 57.2 million viewers. As the playoffs approach, the NFL’s dominance in viewership is poised to continue, with fans eagerly anticipating further dramatic matchups that could reshape the postseason landscape.
As the Bears focus on their playoff aspirations, Caleb Williams’ remarkable performance and the team’s resilience could spell excitement for Chicago fans and NFL enthusiasts alike.
