Cowboys' Upset Win Draws 10.5 Million Viewers

NFL Network may not be available in every home, but it is clear a lot of households that do receive the channel had it turned on Saturday night. The net draws 10.5 million viewers for the Cowboys’ win over the previously unbeaten Saints, marking the most-watched game in the four years NFL Net has aired its Thursday-Saturday package. It was a successful weekend for the network, as the Colts-Jaguars game Thursday ranks as the third-most watched game on the station. The two contests are the latest example of the ratings juggernaut the NFL has been this year. The league always puts up the highest TV numbers of any sports property, but ratings this season are up for all of the league’s broadcast partners. And with some intriguing matchups still to come, the upward trend figures to continue well into January.

Time Keeps On Slipping
As Tag Heuer becomes the latest sponsor to reduce its Tiger advertising, the N.Y. TIMES' Frank Rich says Woods, behind his "sham beatific image," is the "person of the year."

Across The Bay 
Jed York identifies Oakland as plan B for 49ers should Santa Clara stadium plans fall through.

It's Gonna Be A Happy New Year
NHL sells out Winter Classic sponsorship inventory by adding deals with Geico, U.S. Army.

Bigger Is Better?
Inaugural hoops game at Cowboys Stadium draws mixed reactions from fans, split over how basketball feels in the super-sized facility.

Think Again
NFL suspends its two-year old study on concussions, but partners with Boston Univ.'s center for study on head injuries.

Canadian Bacon
CTV-Rogers expects to break even, if not profit, from coverage of Vancouver Games.

Triple Threat Position 
NYRA warns Belmont may not be financially able to host Triple Crown's final leg this year.