Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Amazon Bounces Back With Record Viewership

  • The Dallas Cowboys’ 41-35 win over the Seattle Seahawks averaged 15.26 million viewers — Prime Video’s most-watched game ever.
  • Amazon also claims that Thursday’s contest was the most-streamed NFL game in history.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a pass during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Amazon’s presentation of the NFL on Prime Video is back on track after disappointing results from its first Black Friday experiment.

The Dallas Cowboys’ thrilling 41-35 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football averaged 15.26 million viewers — surpassing Week 2’s Vikings-Eagles matchup (15.05M) as Prime Video’s most-watched game ever.

Amazon also claims that Thursday’s contest was the most-streamed NFL game in history — with the caveat that it measures with an average minute audience and includes only Prime Video, Twitch, and NFL+. However, it’s unlikely that CBS, Fox, or ESPN streaming services would approach this number. 

As more fans adjust to the streaming reality in the second season of Amazon’s exclusive ownership of TNF, the tech giant should be encouraged with its progress in the NFL — even accounting for a speed bump or two. 

Seahawks-Cowboys represented a 53% increase in viewership from Week 13’s Bills-Patriots matchup in 2022. To this point, all 11 games on Prime Video have experienced double-digit year-over-year viewership increases.

It also represents a big rebound for Amazon after its inaugural Black Friday game between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets averaged 9.61 million viewers to be the second-least-viewed game on Prime Video this season; its 4.0 rating was the lowest for any game on Prime this year.

The Cowboys continue to jockey with its NFC East rivals in Philadelphia for the title of the NFL’s most popular team: Dallas’ blowout win on Thanksgiving was the most-watched game of the season and the second-most-watched regular season game of all time.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

World Cup Will Block Notorious Dallas Glare for At Least One Game

FIFA will use the curtains for a 6 p.m. kickoff match this summer.

Political Sparring Intensifies Over Bears’ $5B Stadium Future

The stadium saga is the center of a growing political fight.

NFL Pushes Back on Criticism Over TV and Streaming Deals

The league remains steadfast in its overall media approach.

NFL Moves Closer to 10 International Games—and Could Hit 11

The league builds out further its international scheduling plans.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
The University of Alabama showed off renovations to Bryant Denny Stadium Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Sports Illustrated covers decorate the walls inside the new press box. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]

Sports Illustrated Defends Its Standards After Plagiarism Incident

SI removed its prediction-markets affiliate following accusations of plagiarism.
May 19, 2026

Is Sports Coverage the Solution to ‘Google Zero’?

The glossy mag is betting sports coverage can arrest a traffic decline.
Racin' With The Boys
exclusive
May 20, 2026

‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ Launching New NASCAR Show

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions will produce the show.
Sponsored

Mark Cuban Peels Back the Curtain

Mark Cuban discusses sports ownership, the rise of NIL, and the evolving media landscape.
Oklahoma City, OK - May 22, 2025 - Paycom Center: Shams Charania at NBA Countdown during game 2 of the 2025 Western Conference finals.
May 19, 2026

Shams Charania’s MVP Scoop Highlights NBA-NFL Differences

It’s hard to imagine such a scoop happening in the NFL.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
opinion
May 19, 2026

Bill Belichick Takes Revenge on CBS News During Sudden Media Tour

Belichick said he’s requested the transcripts from his now-famous interview.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is interviewed by Netflix reporter Stacey Dales following a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
opinion
May 18, 2026

NFL ‘Tempting Fate’ With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers

The NFL’s media-rights strategy isn’t without potential risk.