The NFL had three games on Boxing Day, and they all produced excellent viewership numbers.
According to NFL Media, the San Francisco 49ers-Arizona Cardinals drew an estimated audience of 11.2 million viewers on Prime Video with Twitch.
NFL Media also reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Detroit Lions afternoon game on NFL Network had a viewership of 6.3 million.
The Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders evening game was also “the most-watched” NFL Network exclusive game of the season. Finally, NFL Network was reportedly the most-watched network on Boxing day, per NFL Media.
One day earlier, the New Orleans Saints hosted the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day. That game drew a reportedly drew 20.6 million viewers (television and digital platforms).
The first Saturday game saw the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers soundly defeat the Detroit Lions 47-7. The Bucs pulled Brady at halftime after they built a giant 34-0 halftime lead. In just two quarters, Brady finished with 348 passing yards and four touchdowns.
The second game between the 49ers and Cardinals was much closer. Third-string quarterback C.J. Beathard and backup running back Jeff Wilson led the way on offense, while San Francisco’s stingy defense kept Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in check.
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San Francisco pulled of a close 20-12 victory, which put a serious dent in Arizona’s playoff hopes. The Cardinals need a win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17 – or a Chicago Bears loss to the Green Bay Packers – to qualify for the postseason.
The final game saw the Dolphins barely get past the Raiders by a final score of 26-25. The game saw five scores in the final 4:01, and Miami pulled off a thrilling last-second comeback on Jason Sanders’ game-winning field goal.
With the victory, the Dolphins moved to 10-5 on the year. A victory against the Buffalo Bills in Week 17 will help Miami clinch its first playoff berth in four years, and just their third dating back to 2002.
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