The Impact of Quarterback Performance Metrics on NFL Broadcast Viewership: A Decade-Long Correlation and Regression Analysis (2015–2024)

Yuanmeng Lu; Xianyi Zeng

doi:10.54254/2754-1169/2025.CAU28264

Advances in Economics, Management and Political SciencesOpen access

The Impact of Quarterback Performance Metrics on NFL Broadcast Viewership: A Decade-Long Correlation and Regression Analysis (2015–2024)

Research Article

Open Access

The Impact of Quarterback Performance Metrics on NFL Broadcast Viewership: A Decade-Long Correlation and Regression Analysis (2015–2024)

Yuanmeng Lu ^1* Xianyi Zeng ²

¹ Chengdu Foreign Language School

² Guangdong Experimental High School

^*Corresponding author: 3591679018@qq.com

Published on 22 October 2025

AEMPS Vol.231

ISSN (Print): 2754-1177

ISSN (Online): 2754-1169

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-463-2

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-464-9

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Abstract

This study explores the relationship between National Football League (NFL) quarterbacks' performance metrics and television viewership trends from 2015 to 2024. Using data from Pro-Football-Reference for quarterback statistics and from Statista, the Ministry of Sports, and The Memo for viewership figures, we analyze variables including passing attempts, completions, touchdowns, interceptions, yards per game, net yards per attempt, and fourth-quarter comebacks. Through descriptive statistics, box plots, and correlation analysis, results reveal weak negative correlations between most quarterback performance indicators and average game viewership, suggesting that higher passing volume or efficiency does not necessarily lead to higher ratings. Conversely, fourth-quarter comebacks exhibit a modest positive correlation, underscoring the role of dramatic game elements in boosting viewer engagement. We also qualitatively analyze non-competitive factors—such as game interruptions, score uncertainty, and celebrity involvement—as complementary influences. These findings provide strategic recommendations for NFL stakeholders to enhance event appeal and commercial value.

Keywords:

NFL viewership, quarterback performance, competitive factors, non-competitive factors.

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References

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References

[3]. Beyer, S. (2016, October 20). The NFL's TV ratings are dropping, and it's because of oversaturation. Forbes.

[4]. Pelechrinis, K., & Papalexakis, E. (2016). Footballonomics: A new framework for mining and analyzing football data. arXiv preprint arXiv: 1601.04302.

[5]. Pagels, J. (2018). The impact of scheduling and rule changes on NFL television ratings. Journal of Sports Analytics, 4(2), 125–138.

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[12]. Albert, M. A., & Angelis, L. (2019). Sensitivity analysis of the NFL's passer rating formula. Journal of Sports Analytics, 5(4), 267–282. https: //doi.org/10.3233/JSA-190240

Cite this article

Lu,Y.;Zeng,X. (2025). The Impact of Quarterback Performance Metrics on NFL Broadcast Viewership: A Decade-Long Correlation and Regression Analysis (2015–2024). Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,231,27-38.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICEMGD 2025 Symposium: Resilient Business Strategies in Global Markets

ISBN: 978-1-80590-463-2(Print) / 978-1-80590-464-9(Online)

Editor: Florian Marcel Nuţă, Li Chai

Conference website: https://2025.icemgd.org/CAU.html

Conference date: 20 September 2025

Series: Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences

Volume number: Vol.231

ISSN: 2754-1169(Print) / 2754-1177(Online)

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