• December 7, 2000

AP - "Monday Night Football" has received its second-lowest rating in its 31 seasons on ABC. New England's 30-24 victory over Kansas City - a game between teams out of playoff contention - drew a 9.9 national rating and 16 share. Only a 1986 game between the Redskins and Giants drew a lower rating, an 8.8, and that game was played opposite Game 7 of the World Series between the Red Sox and Mets, which had been rained out the previous night.

For the season, "Monday Night Football" is averaging a 12.7 rating and 22 share, down about 8% from last year to date. The program's season-ending rating has declined for five straight years, prompting an overhaul of the cast. ABC hired comedian Dennis Miller for this season in an effort to draw viewers and keep them tuned in even during blowouts.