This Christmas, football fans tuned in for an exciting day of NFL games, but not everything went smoothly. Netflix launched its first live NFL broadcast, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, many viewers faced technical issues while trying to enjoy the action. Meanwhile, the Chiefs played an incredible game that secured their spot in the playoffs, solidifying their reputation as one of the best teams in the league.
Netflix’s NFL Broadcast: A Rocky Start
For the first time, Netflix showed NFL games on Christmas Day, which was a big deal for the streaming giant. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Many fans experienced audio troubles during the pregame show, and some even saw a “Squid Game 2” promo break into their football analysis. This unexpected interruption left viewers frustrated, especially as they tried to gear up for the big game.
Chiefs Secure Victory Despite Injuries
On the field, the Kansas City Chiefs had a reason to celebrate. They defeated the Steelers with a score of 29-10 in a commanding performance. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who played through a painful high ankle sprain, threw for an amazing 320 yards and connected for three touchdowns. This win not only clinched a top position in the AFC playoffs for the Chiefs but also gave them home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Record-Setting Performances
Travis Kelce made history during the game by setting a new team record with his 77th career touchdown reception. Even though he celebrated with his usual flair, it earned him a 15-yard penalty, showing how passionate players are about celebrating their wins, even when it means a small setback.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
As the Chiefs prepare for the playoffs, they have a chance to rest some of their key players, including Chris Jones, who missed the game due to injury. This timeout will be crucial for getting the team back to full strength. Their final regular season game will be against the Denver Broncos, and despite the coach’s decisions, Mahomes stated he is ready to play, showing his determination to lead the team.
Streaming Challenges for Sports Fans
Back to Netflix, many fans were hopeful that this broadcast would be a fun and exciting way to enjoy Christmas football. However, reports suggest that the streaming service may have reached close to 35 million concurrent viewers globally, signaling that there is still a huge interest in watching sports online. Still, viewers can’t help but wonder if the tech issues could affect Netflix’s future plans for sports broadcasting.
Fan Reactions
Social media buzzed with reactions from fans who were happy with the Chiefs’ victory but disappointed with the streaming service’s mistakes. Some expressed anger over buffering problems that made it difficult to watch the fourth quarter of the game. While many praised Mahomes and the Chiefs for their outstanding gameplay, they also called for Netflix to fix these issues if they want to keep broadcasting live sports.
| Game Date | Teams | Result |
|---|---|---|
| December 25, 2024 | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | Chiefs 29, Steelers 10 |
