The Lead
As the Broncos have won, people have tuned in.
According to recent data from CBS, local TV ratings in Denver have increased in each consecutive CBS broadcast of Broncos games, dating back to the Broncos’ 21-17 win over the Eagles.
In ensuing wins over the Giants, Cowboys and Chiefs, the ratings went up each week.
In the Broncos’ most recent win over Kansas City, the game earned a 28.5 household rating and 80 percent share, indicating 28.5 percent of all local TV-owning households were watching the game and 80 percent of TVs that were on were tuned in.
The Week 11 win was the most-watched program of the week on any network, earning 29.890 million viewers nationally.
It was the most-watched Broncos game on any network since 2023, according to CBS.
Throughout the season, local viewership is up in Denver by 3 percent since last year through Week 11, and Denver ranks as CBS’s eighth-highest rated market for NFL games this year.
The Broncos’ knack for close games has delivered a slew of exciting results, and each week offers a nearly unmatched result for viewership.
Denver’s Week 5 win over the Eagles was the most-watched “NFL on CBS” singleheader since 2013, and it was the most-watched Week 5 CBS singleheader since 1998.
Two weeks later, the Broncos’ comeback win over the Giants became the most-watched Week 7 singleheader on any network since 2015.
It was also the second-most-watched Week 7 CBS singleheader since 1998.
The Broncos’ blowout win against the Cowboys was the most-watched program of the week on any network, and it was also the second most-watched Week 8 CBS game since 1998.
That October 26 game drew 25.3 million viewers and helped make October CBS’s best month for NFL coverage in 10 years.
Denver improved to 9-2 against the Chiefs, and the Broncos were again part of the most-watched program of the week on any network.
A reported 29.890 million viewers tuned in to watch, which made Denver’s win the second-most watched Week 11 CBS game since 1998.
As the Broncos continue their season, they’ll continue to look for more big wins—and more big viewership numbers.
The Broncos’ resurgence under head coach Sean Payton has captured national attention.
After missing the playoffs in each of the past eight seasons, Denver sits at 9-2 and firmly in playoff position.
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been a revelation, developing week by week into a legitimate starter.
His improvement has coincided with the team’s winning streak and rising viewership numbers.
The defense, led by coordinator Vance Joseph, has been among the league’s best units.
They’ve forced turnovers at crucial moments and held opposing offenses to low scoring totals.
CBS’s NFL telecasts are averaging 18.6 million viewers through Week 8, the network’s best total at that point since 1998.
The Broncos have been a significant driver of those strong numbers with their compelling storylines and competitive games.
Denver’s upcoming schedule features several more nationally televised opportunities.
The team will look to continue building momentum toward what would be their first playoff appearance since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015.
The viewership surge reflects broader trends in NFL ratings this season.
Through Week 11, NFL games are averaging 17.7 million viewers, marking a 6 percent increase from 2024 and representing the highest average since 2015.
Out of the top 65 broadcasts on traditional television since the beginning of the 2025 season, the NFL accounts for 60 of those shows.
The Broncos benefit from playing in a large market with a passionate fanbase that has been starved for winning football.
Denver’s Mile High Stadium atmosphere has been electric during home games, adding to the appeal for television audiences.
The team’s success has created must-watch television each week as fans nationally tune in to see if the surprising Broncos can maintain their excellent form.
With games remaining against other playoff contenders, the ratings are likely to remain strong through the end of the season.
