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Despite a number of blowouts and fewer games this season being decided by a score or less (8 points), NFL ratings continue to hold their own with Sunday Night Football the highest rated program each week.
Fantasy Sports and a loyal fan base help make NFL ratings success a reality.
From the Associated Press:
Credit fantasy football and gambling for part of that — there's always something to be rooting for, even if the games themselves aren't that good.
"These two pillars, when combined with massive fan interest from hard core fans and a steady engagement from casual fans, blunts the downside associated with less compelling competition," said David Carter, executive director of the Marshall Sports Business Institute at Southern California.
This was the first NFL season where Daily Fantasy Sports truly took off and captured the mainstream’s attention.
With America spending upward of $11 billion a year on fantasy football, it's no surprise viewership still goes through the roof. The way some fantasy owners see it, a lopsided game is simply a chance for the losing quarterback to rack up some come-from-behind passing yardage and the winning running back grind out some fantasy points, as well.
Of course sports bettors also have helped to generate ratings for these lopsided NFL games. Gamblers often bet the totals and OVERs are often not determined until the very end of regulation.
With this in mind, ESPN.com premiered its sports betting section. During game broadcasts there is now more mention of spreads as well.
And in Vegas — as Al Michaels likes to subtly remind viewers in these runaway Sunday night games he's calling — no game is over, 'til it's "over," as in, until it surpasses the number the books set for total points.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
