The Giants/Cowboys rivalry again delivered strong numbers on FOX, though not quite as strong as in previous years.
The Week 7 NFL national window, featuring Giants/Cowboys in 92% of markets, drew a 17.6 overnight rating on FOX Sunday afternoon — up 16% from coverage featuring Ravens/Steelers on CBS last year (15.2), up 9% from coverage featuring Jets/Patriots on CBS in 2012 (16.2), and the second-highest NFL overnight of the season.
The only telecast to earn a higher overnight this season was the Week 6 NFL national window (19.2). The top three telecasts, including the Week 1 national window (17.6), have featured the Cowboys.
Despite the strong numbers, the 17.6 tied 2010 as the lowest for a Giants/Cowboys game on FOX since November 2008 (16.8). Keep in mind the teams’ primetime meetings on NBC and ESPN have earned lower numbers.
Earlier in the day, regional action featuring Panthers/Packers in 55% of markets drew an 8.7 overnight — down 19% from coverage on CBS last year (10.7) but up 21% from coverage on CBS in 2012 (7.2). The Packers led the game 38-3 entering the fourth quarter, reports Sports Media Watch.