Saints-Cowboys draws largest overnight rating in 'Thursday Night Football' history

The Dallas Cowboys stymied the New Orleans Saints offense in a surprising “Thursday Night Football” matchup that changed the NFC landscape and drew a significant number of viewers.

The game drew a 14.6 overnight rating, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal, for the best overnight numbers in the slot’s 12-year history. Dallas won, 13-10.

The Cowboys, “America’s Team,” are apt to draw big numbers in primetime slots no matter their record. The Saints came into the game with a 10-game winning streak, an offense averaging close to 40 points per game and tied for the best record in the NFC.

“Who dat” nation turned out in record numbers for the game.

The viewership eclipsed Fox’s season-high set two weeks ago when the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Green Bay Packers. The game drew a 11.9 overnight rating, the highest-rated Thursday night game in two years.

NFL ratings overall have climbed 5 percent over last season going into week 13. “Thursday Night Football” on Fox was the only slot that saw a decline in viewership, but climbed back up with the Saints-Cowboys numbers and two games to go.

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