Expanded NFL Presence on Netflix
For the third consecutive year, Netflix will solidify its partnership with the NFL by streaming two games on Christmas Day. According to reports from Jordan Schultz, one of the featured matchups will see the Green Bay Packers travel to Soldier Field to face their historic rivals, the Chicago Bears.
This arrangement is part of a broader expansion for the streaming giant. In addition to the Christmas slate, Netflix is slated to broadcast the season-opening game in Australia featuring the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, a special Thanksgiving Eve contest, and a high-stakes Week 18 matchup with postseason implications.
Holiday Football Traditions
Both the Packers and the Bears have prominent roles in the holiday football calendar. Beyond their Christmas clash, the Packers are scheduled to compete in the league's inaugural Thanksgiving Eve game against the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the Bears will maintain their traditional Thanksgiving presence with a road game against the Detroit Lions.
With Christmas Day falling on a Friday in 2026, the NFL has structured a unique tripleheader. Two of these games will be available on Netflix, while the third contest will be broadcast on Fox. Although three games on a Friday is an unconventional schedule, it aligns with the league's strategy to maximize viewership during the festive period.
Remaining Schedule Uncertainties
While the Packers-Bears matchup is the primary focus, the remaining two games for the Christmas Day slate have yet to be officially confirmed. Industry rumors suggest that the Seattle Seahawks may host the Los Angeles Rams on December 25, though this has not been finalized by league officials.
The full 2026 NFL season schedule is set to be unveiled this Thursday at 8 p.m. ET via ESPN.