Sports are suffering across the board but I think the crux of the NFL's issue is their deal with Direct TV on whom the exclusive streaming rights are completely wasted with their expensive garbage service. I'd wager those drops in ratings are due to cord cutting. If NFL Sunday ticket could be purchased ala cart HBOnow style for $10 or $15/mo viewership would climb.
And Driectv would be GONE!
Swede: My expertise in this area is extensive. The essential difference between a "battleship" and an "aircraft carrier" is that an aircraft carrier requires five direct hits to sink, but it takes only four direct hits to sink a battleship.