Packers-Seahawks game draws huge viewership for CBS

The lack of scoring in Sunday’s Seattle Seahawks-Green Bay Packers game did not seem to turn fans away from the TV screen.

Last weekend’s late afternoon game on CBS had 22.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched TV program of the week, per Dov Kleiman.

The double-header of the day, which began with the Cleveland Browns falling 45-7 to the New England Patriots, had average viewership up 6% from a comparable week last year, and the regional window rose 20%. Additionally, Paramount+ had its second-most streamed regular season week to date.

Overall, CBS’ season-to-date viewership is the best it has been in six years, averaging 17.4 million viewers each week.

The game ended 17-0 in favor of Green Bay, and it was just 3-0 at halftime. The game’s over/under was 49, so a shootout was not anticipated. But the complete lack of scoring was surprising as the matchup featured two of the NFL’s best passers.

Rodgers, Wilson drove viewership

In addition to the faithful followers these teams normally have, two factors related to those quarterbacks likely contributed to the high viewership.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to the field after contracting COVID-19 and going through two weeks of controversy surrounding his vaccination status. Rodgers finished 23-for-37 with 292 yards and an interception. Green Bay’s first half drives ended in a one missed field goal, one made field goal, a turnover on downs and two punts. The sole touchdowns of the same came on the Packers’ final two possessions.

On the other sideline, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was under center once again after missing three games with a finger injury that required surgery.

While fans were initially thrilled with Wilson’s return, they were not thrilled that the Seahawks were shut out for the first time since 2011. Wilson completed just half of his 40 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. The Seahawks finished with 208 total yards.

The only scoring on the day came from Packers running back AJ Dillon and kicker Mason Crosby. Dillon had 21 carries for 66 yards in back Aaron Jones‘ absence.

The Seahawks fell to 3-6 on the season, and their playoff hopes are quickly slipping away. They host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, a team that has lost two of three games after starting 7-0. It is unclear if Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will return to the field after missing two games with a sprained ankle.

The Packers are 8-2 and atop the NFC North, and they head to Minneapolis to play the Vikings on Sunday.