Falcons-Saints MNF TV Audience Viewership Number is ‘Horrifically Bad’

The Atlanta Falcons' Week 4 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football averaged 11.9 million viewers across ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes. This marked a sharp decline compared to the season's previous Monday night games, which had averaged 21.8 million viewers over the first three weeks. Sports media reporter Jimmy Traina described the rating as "horrifically bad" as the audience was nearly cut in half from the previous week's total.

Several factors contributed to the low numbers, including a blowout 45-24 victory by the Falcons that saw fans tune out early. The broadcast also lacked an over-the-air simulcast on ABC, which had boosted viewership in prior weeks. Additionally, the NFL game faced direct competition from an ALDS postseason baseball matchup between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays.