The Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens played a tremendous Monday Night Football contest, and the ratings showed:
It was game of season. ESPN says it's "Monday Night Football" telecast of Ravens' last-second win over the Browns averaged 12.4 million viewers, up 9% over last year's comparable Week 14 MNF games (Giants-Eagles).
MNF has had year-over-year audience increases 4 weeks straight.
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) December 15, 2020
It was arguably the best game of the 2020 season.
Although Browns fans wish that it had turned out differently, the game had the ups and downs and intensity of a playoff game.
John Harbaugh even thinks that the teams may meet in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Kevin Stefanski is not calling this game a moral victory.
As Stefanski hopes to get the Browns to bounce back, Cleveland may have high ratings again on Sunday night against the New York Giants.
The ratings may take a dip, as the Browns play at MetLife Stadium again in Week 16, but against the New York Jets.
However, in Week 17, eyes should be glued to the screen as the Browns host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What TV Markets Watched the Game the Most?
In terms of Monday’s game against the Ravens, Ohio households were responsible for a part of the high ratings:
You could say the great state of Ohio was interested in ESPN's 'Monday Night Football' telecast of Browns vs. Ravens.
Ohio cities made up 3 of Top 5 biggest local TV markets (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati). Baltimore and Pittsburgh TV markets rounded out Top 5 local TV zones.
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) December 15, 2020
Cleveland, of course, was No. 1 in terms of television ratings for the game:
Ravens-Browns was a heavyweight fight, says ESPN's @KNegandhiESPN. Here's Top 10 TV markets for game of the year on 'Monday Night Football:'
1) Cleveland 2) Baltimore 3) Columbus 4) Pittsburgh 5) Cincinnati 6) Kansas City 7) San Diego 8) Nashville 9/10) Tie: Seattle/Washington.
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) December 15, 2020
The Browns fan base always shows up and does an amazing job to support the team.
Although Cleveland’s four-game winning streak ended on Monday, the Browns are still looking strong for a playoff spot.
The Browns are one win away from their first double-digit win season since 2007.
As many know, they have not made the postseason since 2002.
However, the last time the Browns won double-digit games and made the playoffs was in 1994.
Let’s Take a Look Forward, as the Browns Attempt to Bounce Back
Heading forward, this Cleveland team will have to step up on defense.
While the offense has been inconsistent at times, Stefanski and company will have to stop opposing offenses.
The Browns currently have a negative 20 point differential, which is very surprising for a team that is five games over .500.
In 2018, the Browns went 7-8-1 with a negative 33 point differential.
The last time the Browns had a positive point differential was 2007 when the Browns finished 10-6.
On Sunday, December 20, the Browns will hope to get that elusive 10th victory against the Giants.
Daniel Jones struggled in Week 14, as the Giants fell to the Arizona Cardinals, 26-7.
The nationally televised game will be the perfect opportunity for the Browns to bounce back in front of another large audience.
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