Tuesday, October 20, 2026

CBS Draws 50M Viewers For Epic NFL, CFB Slate

  • Bills-Chiefs was network’s most-watched Week 6 game in 15 years.
  • Alabama-Tennessee is the most-watched college football game this year.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

CBS Sports had a weekend to remember as it generated massive TV audiences for its pro and college football coverage

By luck of the schedule, CBS aired Alabama vs. Tennessee and Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday. Between the two marquee games, and the network’s regional coverage of Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants on Sunday, CBS totaled a combined average viewership of 50.418 million viewers with 10.36 billion minutes consumed.

The Bills’ thrilling 24-20 win over the Chiefs was CBS’ most-watched Week 6 “NFL on CBS” telecast in 15 years. 

  • The late-afternoon telecast averaged 25.407 million viewers, up 7% over the comparable game window last year and 43% from the two teams’ primetime matchup last year.
  • With the Giants suddenly relevant again in the country’s largest TV market, the network’s regional coverage of the Giants’ 24-20 comeback win over the Ravens averaged 13.454 million viewers, up 7% from last year. 
  • CBS’ Week 2 broadcast of the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals (27.391M) remains the most-watched NFL game so far season-to-date.

Tennessee’s equally thrilling 52-49 win over Alabama was the most-watched college football game on any TV network season-to-date. 

  • The game averaged 11.557 million viewers, up 145% from last season and besting Texas-Alabama — the previous most-watched game this season (10.6M).
  • As the game reached its finish, Tennessee-Alabama viewership peaked at nearly 17 million. 
  • It was the most-watched regular season game on CBS since Alabama-LSU drew 16.712 million viewers in 2019. 

CBS has now broadcast the most-watched college football for five weeks in a row. 

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

CBS Sports NFL B Team covering the Cincinnati Bengals versus New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022.

Evan Washburn Eyes March Madness for His ‘Instant Film Room’

The CBS sideline reporter has put a new spin on postgame interviews.
Josh Pate Front Office Sports Tuned In

Josh Pate: Internet Hate Is ‘Not Real Life’

Pate learned the lesson on campus trips alongside Danny Kanell.

Army-Navy Could Shift Dates to Accommodate 24-Team CFP

The game could take place the Saturday left open without conference championships.
Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Hall of Fame quterback Troy Aikman stands with his Monday Night Football Broadcast announcer Joe Buck before a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Buck, Aikman Avoid the Elephant in the ‘MNF’ Booth

Aikman and Buck focused purely on football in their ‘MNF’ intro.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/20/26 – Knicks’ $4K Opener, Brewers’ $2,800 World Series, Colts Call Peyton?

0:00

Featured Today

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.

NBC Sports Faces Pivotal Week

The network and its parent company are at a key inflection point.
October 19, 2026

WNBA Finals Goes Hollywood With ‘Orange Carpet’ Show

E! is bringing red carpet coverage to Game 2 of the Finals.
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
Sponsored

Why Brands Are Betting On Major League Soccer

Discover why brands are investing in MLS as the league builds on World Cup momentum to drive fan engagement and sponsorship growth.
Troy Aikman
Exclusive
October 16, 2026

Troy Aikman, Dolphins Have No Ongoing Consulting Agreement

Aikman’s official role ended with the coach and GM searches.
Opinion
October 15, 2026

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
October 15, 2026

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
October 14, 2026

ESPN Not Reaching Out on Clippers Story Was ‘Disappointing’ for Torre

Torre spoke at the FOS Tuned In summit Tuesday.