NFL ratings down nearly 8 percent from first 6 weeks of 2016

NFL ratings continue to drop, Nielsen figures revealed Tuesday.

Viewership has dropped 7.5 percent compared to the first six weeks of the 2016 campaign, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell, and 18.7 percent compared to the beginning of the 2015 season.

Last season, the league attributed unusually low viewership to coverage of the presidential election, while others blamed the declining quality of games.

Political contention has certainly been a theme this season after President Donald Trump implored owners to fire players who protest during the national anthem. Many players stepped up their protests against racial inequality and police brutality in response, leading some viewers to disavow the league.

Credit Suisse lowered its ratings of FOX and CBS stock last week due to declining NFL viewership.

The audience for Monday Night Football, however, has increased 6 percent compared to this point last year.