The 2024 NFL season marked a significant milestone as it introduced games airing on Netflix for the first time. The streaming platform will again showcase a doubleheader on Christmas Day in 2025, hinting at an expanding partnership between the NFL and Netflix. In a discussion on The Town with Matthew Belloni, Alex Sherman of CNBC recounted a conversation with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who expressed interest in broadcasting a greater number of games. Sherman noted, "I spoke to Ted Sarandos. He admitted to me, like, 'Yeah, I talked to Roger Goodell on the side about adding even more games beyond our two Christmas games.'" Sarandos emphasized the need to find ways to create an event-like atmosphere around these games, indicating a shared vision for future broadcasts.

As part of its efforts to elevate the viewing experience, Netflix aimed to transform the Christmas Day games in 2024 into marquee events. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a match that showcased two of the most prominent teams in the AFC. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens secured a victory against the Houston Texans, highlighted by a halftime performance from Beyoncé, who hails from Houston. According to a press release from Netflix, these two games have become the most streamed NFL contests in U.S. history, underscoring the platform's growing influence in sports broadcasting.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Christmas Day doubleheader on Netflix features a compelling matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Detroit Lions facing the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET. These games could be pivotal in the NFC East and NFC North divisions, with only the Cowboys missing the playoffs among this group last season. The Cowboys, often referred to as 'America's Team,' are expected to attract a substantial audience despite fluctuating performances from key players such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens. With games airing on Prime Video, Peacock hosting playoff matches, and Netflix planning further doubleheaders, the NFL's presence in the streaming world continues to expand. This shift indicates a strategic move towards embracing digital platforms as a means of reaching broader audiences.