A cloud of dust

NFL’s viewership comeback slowing

The NFL through Week 6 continued to close the deficit of TV viewers compared with last season — albeit at a numbingly slow pace.

Through Week 6, the NFL’s 37 national telecasts averaged 15.3 million viewers, according to data compiled by Sports Media Watch, which is down 7.2 percent from the average 16.5 million viewers through the same week a season ago.

This year’s viewership numbers do not include the latest Monday Night Football telecast, which were not available at press time.

TV viewership of NFL games was down 12.3 percent after Week 1 and had narrowed the gap to 7.3 percent after Week 5.

After Week 1 this season, each successive week’s NFL telecasts drew more fans than last season — although Week 6 was the smallest year-over-year gain.

Weeks 3 and 5 this season showed the largest viewership gains — but they were going up against games last year that had to compete with presidential debates.

MoffettNathanson analyst Michael Nathanson reported that the NFL comparisons with last year will get harder after Week 9 — following Election Day 2016.

Despite the general trend, viewership by individual game or network remains erratic.

Credit Suisse analyst Omar Sheikh has just reduced his EPS estimate for CBS by 5 percent — in part because of “soft ratings” for its NFL broadcasts.

Any ratings-based forecasts by Sheikh or other analysts may be a function of high expectations going into the season, sources said.

CBS shares closed down 24 cents, to $56.66.