With the average NFL franchise valued at $5.1 billion and revenue at all-time highs, the most popular teams in the league stand to profit more than ever — and are being watched by tens of millions on a weekly basis.
When teams like the Cowboys are valued at close to $10 billion, it’s no secret why they are the most-watched NFL team.
In 2023, Dallas averaged 25.18 million viewers during the regular season.
Their most popular regular season game, excluding a special broadcast on Thanksgiving, drew 41.52 million viewers. The Cowboys’ Wild Card matchup against the Packers had 40.16 million viewers, the most of any other Wild Card game.
As the NFL’s most valuable franchise, Dallas uses their well-known brand to attract fans all over the country.
The second-most watched NFL team is the Commanders, averaging 25.07 million viewers. Washington is the only team among the most-watched who had a losing record in 2023.
Despite finishing the season nine games under .500, the Commanders were the only team other than Dallas to average more than 25 million viewers per game.
Their Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys drew 41.76 million viewers, eight million more than the next most-watched Thanksgiving game.
The Eagles averaged 23.67 million viewers for third on the list. Philadelphia had only two games all season that averaged under 15 million viewers.
In their Week 12 game against the Bills, the Eagles drew 30.90 million viewers and a 15.2 Nielsen rating, both their highest of the season.
Seven of the most-watched NFL teams play in the NFC. The top three most-watched teams all play in the NFC East.
The Super Bowl champion Chiefs averaged 23.22 million viewers, good for fifth on the list. In comparison, the Cowboys had only six games throughout the season that drew less than 23.37 million viewers.
Ranking The Most Watched NFL Teams
Below, you will find the list of the top 10 most-watched NFL teams based on average U.S. viewership for the 2023 NFL season. The list was compiled using data from Statista and Nielsen.
- Updated: July 10, 2024
| Ranking | 2023 Team Record | Team | Average U.S. Viewership in 2023 |
| 1 | 12-5 | Dallas Cowboys | 25.18 million |
| 2 | 4-13 | Washington Commanders | 25.07 million |
| 3 | 11-6 | Philadelphia Eagles | 23.67 million |
| 4 | 12-5 | San Francisco 49ers | 23.28 million |
| 5 | 11-6 | Kansas City Chiefs | 23.22 million |
| 6 | 12-5 | Detroit Lions | 20.31 million |
| 7 | 11-6 | Buffalo Bills | 19.74 million |
| 8 | 10-7 | Houston Texans | 19.65 million |
| 9 | 9-8 | Green Bay Packers | 19.37 million |
| 10 | 9-8 | Seattle Seahawks | 19 million |
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