Netflix to Stream 2 NFL Games on Christmas Day: Everything You Need to Know
illion viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million.
The Chiefs, Steelers, Ravens, and Texans have already secured playoff spots in the AFC, but seeding is still up for grabs. Kansas City (14-1) can clinch the top seed with a win over the Steelers. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are tied atop the AFC North at 10-5, with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker due to a better conference record. Houston (9-6) has wrapped up the AFC South and holds the fourth seed.
Netflix is working hard to ensure that the streaming process runs smoothly after facing challenges during the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. The system was stress-tested, and improvements have been made to handle the anticipated demand for the Christmas Day NFL games. Netflix is hoping for a seamless streaming experience for its viewers.
While the potential viewership for the Christmas Day games is anticipated to be high, historical data suggests that it may not reach the levels seen during events like the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. The largest audience for a streamed-exclusive NFL game was 23 million on Peacock for last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs. Nielsen will measure the ratings for the Christmas Day games, with early numbers expected late in the afternoon on Thursday.
For those tuning in, some celebrity appearances are on the lineup. Mariah Carey will kick off the day with a taped performance of “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Fans are wondering if Taylor Swift will make an appearance to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who will be playing in the games. The day will also include a performance by Beyoncé around halftime of the Ravens-Texans game.
Looking ahead, the NFL has scheduled at least two Christmas Day games in 2025 and 2026, with Netflix set to broadcast at least one game each year. Amazon Prime Video will also have a night game next year as Christmas falls on a Thursday.
Beyond football, Netflix is expanding its sports content with a partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment, set to begin on Jan. 6 with “Monday Night Raw” moving to the streaming service. Additionally, Netflix has secured the U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Excitement is building for the Christmas Day NFL games, with fans eager to see how the action unfolds on Netflix. The opportunity to stream these games globally represents a significant milestone in sports broadcasting, marking a new era of accessibility for football fans around the world.