An average 28.9 million viewers tuned into NBC and Peacock to watch the Chiefs narrowly defeat the Ravens 27-20 on Thursday, the network announced on Friday, to become the most-watched regular-season opener in NFL history. In comparison, the 2023 season opener between the Chiefs and Detroit Lions attracted an average 27.5 million viewers.

The 2024 NFL regular-season kickoff broadcast peaked at 33 million viewers during the second quarter around 9:30-9:45 p.m. ET, but the drama came late in the matchup.

With Baltimore trailing by a touchdown with seconds left on the clock, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with tight end Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone for what appeared to be a touchdown. Ravens coach John Harbaugh was holding up two fingers, signaling a two-point conversion attempt for the win, but replay review showed Likely’s toe narrowly landed out of bounds.