NFL Week 3 Overnights: Sunday Up 4% Overall; NBC's "SNF" Down

The NFL saw its Sunday aggregate overnight ratings rise 4% in Week 3 compared to the same week last year, thanks in large part to Fox’ singleheader window, which drew an 11.9 overnight. Milwaukee drew a 41.1 local rating for Broncos-Packers, while Raiders-Vikings drew a 31.4 in Minneapolis. Philadelphia (28.6), Dallas (28.2) and Denver (26.1) rounded out the top five markets for Fox. In the national window and the first cross-flex of the season, CBS had Saints-Seahawks in the majority of markets (63%) late yesterday afternoon, leading to a 14.2 overnight. That figure was actually down 7% from Cowboys-Seahawks last year in the comparable window, which drew a 15.3 on Fox. CBS’ regional coverage, led by Ravens-Chiefs in 65% of markets, drew a 9.3 overnight. Season-to-date NFL coverage is up 4% on CBS and 7% on Fox compared to last year. Last night, NBC drew a 12.8 overnight for Rams-Browns up against the Emmy Awards on Fox. That is down 6% from a 13.6 for Lions-Patriots last year, which did not compete with the Emmys. The game was the Browns' first appearance on “SNF” in 11 years, and Cleveland led all markets with a 38.5 local rating, followed by Columbus with a 23.8; both are “SNF” records in their respective markets. New Orleans (22.9), Dayton (19.9) and Buffalo (15.9) rounded out the top five markets. L.A. came in 12th with a 15.3 (David Rumsey, THE DAILY).

Download the NFL Week 3 Overnight Ratings Chart

TOUGH AS STEEL? THE ATHLETIC's Richard Deitsch notes Pittsburgh has "long been one of the NFL's best television draws," and most experts "place the Steelers somewhere in the Top 5 among NFL national draws." However, the team is off to an 0-3 start and QB Ben Roethlisberger is out for the season. The Steelers have a "MNF" game against the Broncos next week, a "SNF" game against the Chargers on Oct. 13 and another Monday night game against the Dolphins on Oct. 28. Then comes a "national doubleheader game on CBS" against the Rams on Nov. 10, a "TNF" game against the Browns on Nov. 14 and another 4:25pm ET doubleheader game on CBS against the Browns on Dec. 1. That is "a ton of premium windows." One TV sports exec "predicted CBS' NFL ratings this season will come down to how long" the Patriots or Chiefs "can stay unbeaten" if the Steelers do not improve (THEATHLETIC.com, 9/23).

LEARNING TO FLY: In L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes with "about eight minutes left in the first half" of Rams-Browns, NBC "went with the Sky Cam angle on back-to-back plays." Both times, viewers "got to ride into the play in something of a swooping motion as it developed" and did so "without suffering motion sickness." NBC "SNF" Exec Producer Fred Gaudelli said that the success of the shot is a tribute to the "synchronization of camera operator Ed Martino as well as pilot Cody Taylor." He added, "We are still going to break it out very judiciously. It's all about when it makes sense and it gives the viewer a better look" (L.A. TIMES, 9/23).

LESS THAN IMPRESSED: In Boston, Trevor Hass notes CBS reporter Dana Jacobson in a pre-game interview with Patriots coach Bill Belichick asked him "what 'the final straw' was with Antonio Brown," who the team released last week. Belichick responded by saying: "We're focused on the Jets today." Jacobson replied, "Thank you, coach." Belichick then "gave Jacobson what many have referred to as a death stare, looking at her for a solid two seconds before nodding his head and walking away." Belichick's glare "drew criticism from other sideline reporters and journalists, who credited Jacobson for doing her job and asking a relevant question" (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/23). YAHOO SPORTS' Jay Busbee wrote there is "nothing like a bit of dead-eyed sanctimony when you're getting asked a perfectly valid question about why you carried water for a guy only until he wasn't useful anymore." Jacobson "asked the right question at the right time, and Belichick's scowl only proves she was on point" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/22). Jacobson today tweeted, "I did my job yesterday. Coach did his. End of story. You know what I didn’t like? Rambling through the start of my Ty Law interview. Wish I could do that over. Social media & sports radio can continue the discussion.. I’m going to go get ready for my wedding Saturday" (TWITTER.com, 9/23).

FIVE-STAR REVIEW: Patriots QB Tom Brady on Friday talked about the NFL's 100-year anniversary and "how much he's enjoyed studying the history of the game this year." He said that his "primary material has been Peyton Manning's series, 'Peyton's Places'" on ESPN+. Brady said, "I've watched them all so far. ... It's a great show. As a fan of football, it's good to learn about the history of the game -- about two-quarterback systems, and trophies, fantasy football, the draft. I learned a lot of things -- probably a lot of things guys here never learn" (ESPN.com, 9/22).