Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch?

On By Littum

game

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 air on the streaming giant’s platform this Christmas. The move has left football fans wondering how they will be able to watch the doubleheader feature.

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

Here’s the full list of viewing options for the NFL’s 2024 Christmas doubleheader:

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 at Christmas through the 2026 season. As a result, the easiest 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” for $22.99/month — to access Wednesday’s doubleheader.

However, there are a few notable exceptions.

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

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

That is to say, Kansas City Chiefs fans who live 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 applies to Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texas fans who live in Baltimore or Houston.

Here is 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 game 2024

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

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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

With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, all four of the competing teams will play on Saturday in Week 16 for an extra day of rest.

The Chiefs are coming off a game against the Texans that could push them one step closer to winning 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 meet on Christmas, it’s possible the only thing on the line will be the Steelers’ seeding. However, it’s also possible that Pittsburgh — coming off a loss in Week 16 — needs a win on 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
  • Meeting place: NRG Stadium
  • Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Streaming: Netflix
  • Channel: Local CBS affiliate (Houston, Baltimore markets ONLY)

This game has several potential seeding implications.

The Texans have already clinched the AFC South title, but could push for a better playoff position come 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 could be the last thing they need to secure a postseason berth. But if they beat the Steelers on Saturday, both Christmas showdowns will have major implications for the AFC North’s title race with just one week left to play.