Bears-Packers draws highest season-opening audience since 2016

Though the 2019 season opener saw the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears combine for just 13 points, the contest was the NFL's most-viewed kickoff game since 2016.

Green Bay's 10-3 triumph attracted an average of 22.7 million viewers on NBC along with other related digital platforms, according to The Associated Press. The number marks a 16% jump in viewership from last year's season-opening tilt between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, which drew 19.6 million.

Audience volume peaked between 9:15-9:30 p.m. ET, swelling to 23.9 million. Nielsen and Adobe Analytics compiled the viewership figures released by NBC.

The ratings increase is a positive sign for the NFL, which has dealt with declining viewership in recent years.