The Dallas Cowboys’ 33-16 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 17 delivered 17.9 million viewers across ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and NFL+, with the audience surging to a peak of 21 million late in the first half, ESPN announced Tuesday.
The Week 11 primetime blowout marks another ratings triumph for Monday Night Football, which is now on pace for its second-most-watched season in the past 20 years. Through 14 games, the 2025 MNF package is averaging 15.6 million viewers — up 10% from last year and the strongest start since 2006.
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- 17.9 million average viewers (all platforms)
- 21 million peak in the first half
- Up 8% from the comparable 2023 Cowboys-Raiders matchup
The game dominated Monday night television and contributed to MNF’s season-long surge, driven by expanded Nielsen measurement that now includes out-of-home viewing, streaming, and smart-TV data.
On the field, Dak Prescott threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns, while emotional tributes to late Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and a viral “mime” celebration from tight end Jake Ferguson fueled both the storyline and the late-first-half viewership spike.
Despite ongoing carriage disputes affecting millions of homes, Monday Night Football continues to post double-digit year-over-year gains, solidifying its position as television’s top regular-season primetime franchise.