Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch NFL Christmas games? All viewing options

Posted by Admin December 25, 2024 NFL

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Fans of the NFL may have to open their wallets to make sure they catch every Week 17 game this year.

The NFL will make its Netflix debut this year with two games set to be broadcast on the streaming giant’s platform on Christmas. The move has left football fans with questions on how they’ll be able to watch the doubleheader feature.

One of the biggest questions is whether a Netflix subscription will be required to watch both games. For fans living outside of the local markets for each game – Baltimore, Houston, Kansas City and Pittsburgh – the answer is: technically, no.

Here’s the full breakdown on viewing options for the NFL’s Christmas doubleheader in 2024:

Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch the NFL Christmas games?

The short answer is yes.

Netflix and the NFL partnered ahead of the 2024 season for the rights to broadcast at least one game on Christmas through the 2026 season. As a result, the simplest way for fans to watch both games this year is on Netflix.

NFL viewers can subscribe to any Netflix plan – from their “standard with ads” option for $6.99/month to “premium” at $22.99/month – to get access to Wednesday’s doubleheader broadcast.

However, there are a few notable exceptions.

Fans with a subscription to the NFL’s premium subscription service, NFL+, can stream each game on their mobile device using the NFL app.

In addition, football fans who live in one of the local markets of the competing teams on Christmas can watch that team’s game on their local CBS affiliate station.

That is to say, Kansas City Chiefs fans living in Kansas City and Pittsburgh Steelers fans living in Pittsburgh have access to a local broadcast of the Steelers-Chiefs game on their respective affiliates. The same is true for Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans fans living in Baltimore or Houston.

Here’s the list of local affiliates that will carry the two NFL Christmas games:

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- CBS-PIT: KDKA
- CBS-KC: KCTV
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
- CBS-HOU: KHOU
- CBS-BAL: WJZ-TV

Christmas NFL games 2024

Both of this year’s Christmas NFL games are potential previews for AFC playoff matchups.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Venue: Acrisure Stadium
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix
Channel: Local CBS affiliate (Pittsburgh, Kansas City markets ONLY)

Since Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year, all four of the competing teams will play on Saturday in Week 16 in order to get an extra day of rest.

The Chiefs will be coming off a game against the Texans that could push them one step closer to clinching the AFC’s No. 1 seed if they win. For the Steelers, a Saturday win over the Ravens would give them the head-to-head sweep they need to clinch the AFC North title.

When Kansas City and Pittsburgh face off on Christmas, it’s possible the only thing at stake will be the Steelers’ seeding. However, it’s also possible that – with a Week 16 loss – Pittsburgh will need a victory Wednesday to avoid losing ground in the division race if the Ravens win later in the day.

NFL PLAYOFF SCENARIOS: Ravens, Packers among teams that can clinch in Week 16

Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens

Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: NRG Stadium
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix
Channel: Local CBS affiliate (Houston, Baltimore markets ONLY)

This game has more potential seeding implications.

The Texans have already clinched the AFC South title but could be pushing for a better playoff position on Christmas, pending some other results around the league in Week 16 and the outcome of the Chiefs-Steelers game.

If the Ravens lose in Week 16, their Dec. 25 matchup might be the final thing they need to secure a postseason spot. But if they beat the Steelers on Saturday, both Christmas clashes will have big implications for the AFC North title race with just one week left to play.