Chiefs-Texans divisional round fixture generates historic views for ESPN but fans call it “32.7 million people saw the Texans get cheated”

The AFC Divisional round fixture between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans witnessed 32.7 million views on ESPN, breaking the pervious record.

Chiefs-Texans divisional round fixture generates historic views for ESPN but fans call it “32.7 million people saw the Texans get cheated”

Patrick Mahomes and CJ Stroud (Image via IMAGO)

The AFC Divisional round fixture between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans shattered all previous records for ESPN. Football fans tuned in to watch Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce kick off their Super Bowl defense against CJ Stroud and Co. in the playoffs.

According to a press release from ESPN, the network witnessed a record-breaking 32.7 million views during the Chiefs-Texans game that took place at Arrowhead during playoff weekend. It was the most-watched game on the network since its establishment in 1987 and the NFL’s best viewership for a Divisional Saturday Afternoon Kickoff in 10 seasons.

YouTube video

It doesn’t come as a surprise because the Chiefs are on course for a three-peat after winning the last two Super Bowls. As an added incentive, Travis Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, attended a Chiefs game after a long gap.

FS Video

Previously, the record for the most-watched game on the network was the January 20, 2024, AFC Divisional round fixture between the Texans and the Baltimore Ravens with 32.3 million views.

ESPN’s Pat McAfee broke the news on his show.

Divisional round weekend had record-breaking numbers. ESPN has just reported that the Chiefs-Texans game had 32.7 million viewers. That’s the most-watched NFL game in the history of the network, and the reason why people tuned in is because the Chiefs are still the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes is still Patrick Mahomes. Travis Kelce is still Travis Kelce.

Pat McAfee ranted
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Fans accuse referee of ruining viewing experience on ESPN by favoring Chiefs over Texans

Fans tuned in to watch an exciting game between the defending champions and the exciting Texans team that defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round. However, the officiating during the game turned controversial as the referee overlooked holding calls and awarded penalties against the Texans.

Chiefs-Texans divisional round fixture generates historic views for ESPN, but fans call it 32.7 million people saw the Texans get cheated
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

After the game, Texans pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. claimed that they were playing against the referee and not the Chiefs. After ESPN released its viewership numbers, fans once more screamed at the game being rigged to help the Chiefs go through.

Rival fans will always chant foul play, but even they have to accept the Chiefs game draws more eyes than any other game in the NFL. For example, the wildcard games saw a massive dip from last year because the Chiefs were on a bye week for taking the top seed as McAfee mentioned.

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If numbers are any indication, then the AFC Championship game between the Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills might set new records.

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