The 2025 NFL regular season is more than just a game; it’s a battle for television supremacy. Through the first part of the season, the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs have once again captured the spotlight. According to Sports Illustrated, Dallas continues to command massive viewership despite its inconsistent record. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s sustained success, amplified by the “Taylor Swift effect,” is reshaping how football is consumed across the media landscape.
Who Really Owns the NFL’s TV Ratings?
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Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
For decades, the Cowboys have driven NFL ratings more than any other franchise. According to Matt Galatzan at Sports Illustrated, Dallas participated in two of the season’s top three most-watched games, with their opener against Philadelphia drawing 28.3 million viewers and their Week 4 contest with Green Bay attracting 26.9 million. Even with a 1-2-1 record, they continue to dominate living rooms nationwide, powered by an $11 billion brand and a devoted following that extends far beyond Texas.
Jerry Jones summarized the fanbase’s loyalty perfectly while defending his team after a wild 40-point draw: “If you felt it, even though they scored 40 points, our defense improved as that game went along right before your eyes.” His words explain why Dallas remains a huge draw: supporters are invested in every play, no matter the outcome.
However, Patrick Mahomes may now be the face of the NFL’s spotlight. The Chiefs reportedly surpassed the Cowboys in nationwide night-game viewership in 2024, thanks to Mahomes’ star power and Travis Kelce’s pop-culture relevance, which is tied to Taylor Swift. That season, Kansas City drew enormous crowds. An impressive 28 million viewers tuned in for their opener against the Ravens, and nearly the same number, 27.9 million, watched their matchup with the Bengals, giving them three of the top five audiences that year.
In 2025, that momentum continues. NBC’s Sunday Night Football is averaging 24.7 million viewers per game, its highest since 2006, while CBS is achieving ratings it has not seen since 1998. The Week 2 rematch between the Eagles and Chiefs drew 33.8 million viewers, surpassing all other programming and demonstrating that Kansas City consistently attracts a massive national audience.
Are Other Contenders Crashing the Ratings Party?
Beyond the two ratings giants, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions have consistently appeared in the NFL’s most-watched games this year, proving their growing national appeal. Detroit’s season kickoff against Kansas City brought in 27.3 million viewers. Meanwhile, San Francisco’s Week 6 clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers garnered 26.9 million. These numbers show that teams generating recent playoff buzz are attracting fans from all corners, not just their traditional markets.
From Dallas’s enduring legacy to Kansas City’s modern reign, the NFL successfully blends old-school appeal with fresh energy. With television ratings hitting their highest marks in nearly a decade, one thing is certain: whenever the Cowboys or Chiefs take the field, the entire country tunes in to watch.