This Christmas, football fans have a full day of NFL action ahead, split between Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The league is leveraging streaming platforms to deliver a tripleheader on Thursday, December 25th. This marks the second year Netflix has hosted NFL games, while Amazon continues its Thursday Night Football coverage.
Game Schedule & Where to Find Them
Here’s how to catch each game:
- Cowboys vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT) – Netflix
- Lions vs. Vikings (4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT) – Netflix (featuring a halftime performance by Snoop Dogg)
- Broncos vs. Chiefs (8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT) – Amazon Prime Video
The Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings matchups on Netflix are notable because neither team is a playoff contender. Both games will be more about individual performance rather than championship implications, though pride is always at stake. The Chiefs-Broncos game, however, carries more weight. Despite a rare playoff miss for Kansas City, they can still influence the AFC playoff picture as spoilers, while Denver looks to finish the season strong.
Streaming Options Beyond Netflix and Prime Video
If you don’t subscribe to either streaming service, here are alternative ways to watch:
- NFL+ : The league’s own streaming service offers live access for $7/month (or $15 with Red Zone). Keep in mind it’s limited to mobile devices.
- Prime Video Twitch Channel : The Broncos-Chiefs game will also stream for free on Twitch, Amazon’s gaming platform.
The NFL’s decision to spread its Christmas games across multiple platforms reflects a broader trend toward streaming exclusivity. This strategy, while boosting subscriber numbers for Netflix and Amazon, creates fragmentation for viewers who may need multiple subscriptions to follow all the action.
The shift to streaming NFL games on major platforms like Netflix and Amazon is significant because it’s part of a larger move by the league to reach new audiences and diversify revenue streams. This means cord-cutters can still enjoy live football, but at the cost of subscription fatigue.
