What To Know About Today’s NFL Christmas Games: When And Where To Watch The Action—And Beyoncé Halftime Show Conor Murray

Netflix's Big Christmas Day Plans: NFL Games and Star Performances

Netflix is gearing up for a festive Christmas Day with an exciting lineup of entertainment, featuring two NFL games and performances by music icons Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. The event marks a significant push into live programming for the streaming giant, aiming to deliver a smooth experience following technical issues during its recent Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight livestream.

NFL Matchups and Programming Schedule

1. Game 1: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

   • Kickoff: 1 p.m. EST
   • Location: Pittsburgh
   • The Chiefs, boasting a 14-1 record, are favored by 2.5 points over the 10-5 Steelers.

2. Game 2: Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans

   • Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. EST
   • Location: Houston
   • The Ravens, with a 10-5 record, are 4.5-point favorites over the 9-6 Texans.

Streaming Details:

• Games will stream globally in five languages.
• Viewers in the U.S. can access the streams up to three hours after the broadcasts end, while international viewers will have 24-hour access.

Pregame Show:

• Begins at 11 a.m. EST with guest commentary by comedians Bert Kreischer and Nate Bargatze.

Star-Studded Performances

1. Mariah Carey

   • Performing her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” before the first game.

2. Beyoncé

   • Taking the stage during halftime of the second game.
   • Expected to perform tracks from her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” potentially joined by featured artists like Post Malone, Miley Cyrus, and Dolly Parton.

Netflix’s Foray Into Live Sports

After encountering glitches during its Tyson-Paul fight stream, Netflix is determined to improve its live broadcasting capabilities. The company has updated its content delivery and streaming protocols to ensure a seamless experience for viewers.

Criticism and Challenges

• NFL Schedule Concerns:
  Kansas City Chiefs’ stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have expressed concerns about playing three games in 11 days, citing physical strain.

• Holiday Viewing Debate:
  Critics like Chris Russo and Bomani Jones have questioned the NFL’s push for Christmas Day games, arguing that it clashes with family traditions and the NBA's established holiday presence.

Key Background

Netflix’s live programming efforts have been met with mixed success. Starting with a Chris Rock comedy special and the “Love is Blind” reunion (plagued by delays), the company has faced growing pains in delivering live content. However, its partnership with the NFL marks a bold step into sports entertainment, aiming to compete with traditional broadcasters.

What to Watch For

• Beyoncé’s much-anticipated halftime show and whether special guests from “Cowboy Carter” will join her.
• Netflix’s ability to execute a glitch-free stream amidst high viewer expectations.

Final Thoughts: Netflix’s Christmas Day lineup is an ambitious effort to solidify its position in live programming. With top-tier NFL matchups and iconic music performances, the streaming service aims to deliver a memorable holiday experience while proving its technical reliability.