It was a rare Wednesday night in the NFL. The season opener was switched to accommodate a national audience for President Obama’s Democratic National Convention acceptance speech.

The Giants began defense of their latest Super Bowl triumph, hosting the Cowboys. Although the G-Men fell short, 24-17, the NBC kickoff special was the week’s winner. The matchup had an estimated 2.1 million fans and a 10.6 rating, according to Nielsen. Gearing up for the game, the pre-game also registered big second place numbers with 1.9 million people tuned in and a 9.6 rating. The 30-minutes prior to kickoff landed in seventh place (922,000/4.7).

NBC also had a strong Sunday night start, as announcers Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth, went from Metlife Stadium to Invesco Field for Peyton Manning’s Denver debut. It came in third (1.4 million/7.5). The final portion of Sunday’s pre-game show was eighth for the week (887,000/4.5).

Fox also did well for Week One for its NFL coverage. The late-game spill over pulled in a number four (1.4 million/7.1), while the entire second half of the Fox double-header was sixth (1.1 million/5.7). More game cut-ins on Fox managed a number nine (682,000/3.5).

The week was not about football. The rain-delayed women’s final at the U.S. Open Sunday was tenth (649,000/3.3).

60 Minutes rounded out the Top 10 at number 5 (1.1 million/5.9).

 Three Yankees games on the YES Network cracked the Top 30, with the best showing in the 19th spot (480,000/2.5).

Obama’s speech at the Convention gave MSNBC the number 14-ranked program for the week (590,000/3.0). MSNBC registered a half-dozen other entries from Charlotte. CNN culminated with its best showing, in 17th, with the President on display (510,000/2.6).

The MTV Video Music Awards tied for 12th (604,000/3.1).

WABC did not appear in the Top 30.

Photo credit: live.drjays.com