Ratings for the 2017 NFL Kickoff Game were down by nearly two full points from 2016 and more than three points from 2015 when Tom Brady's suspension was temporarily lifted.

2017: Chiefs/Pats: 14.6
2016: Panthers/Broncos: 16.5
2015: Steelers/Pats: 17.7
2014: Packers/Seahawks: 16.8

During the early part of the 2016 season, ratings were down across the board, which led some to speculate that the presidential election or political protests by players contributed to the slide.