The NFL can drop 30% and still be the most watched event. They have a very high starting point. They earned it over the years. Just because it's the most watched CBS program in 45 weeks doesn't exactly mean the NFL ratings are going in the right direction.
Not for nothing, you're comparing week 12 MNF ratings year over year. You say the crappy matchups hurt Thanksgiving ratings this year. Last years week 12 MNF game was Ravens 45 Rams 6. The betters didn't even need to watch long. Wouldn't that impact last years rating? Or are you allowed to change philosophy by whenever it applies to how you want to think.