NFL a big draw Thursday nights on CBS

CBS’s new Thursday night NFL package drew big audiences despite a string of blowouts. The Broncos’ 35-21 win over the Chargers on Thursday was the last of seven straight games to air on CBS, with simulcasts on NFL Network. The broadcasts now switch to NFL Network only. Five of the matchups were decided by at least two touchdowns, including three by more than 30 points. The seven games still averaged 16.5 million viewers between CBS and NFL Network, the networks said Friday, nearly double the 8.5 million for last year’s games that aired on NFL Network with simulcasts on local channels in each team’s home market. – AP