Christmas Day 2024 brings not only the joy of the holiday season but also the excitement of NFL football to fans across the globe. In a tradition that has become almost as anticipated as Santa’s visit, the NFL schedules games on this festive day, providing a unique blend of sports and celebration. This year, fans are in for a treat with a lineup that includes some of the league’s most competitive teams. Here’s your comprehensive guide on what NFL games are happening today, how to watch them, with a special focus on the much-anticipated matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL Games Today: Christmas Day Schedule
The NFL has carefully curated a lineup of games that promise to keep fans engaged throughout the day, combining the thrill of football with the warmth of Christmas. Here’s the full schedule of NFL games today:
Game 1: Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints at 1:00 PM ET
Game 2: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs at 4:30 PM ET
Game 3: Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers at 8:15 PM ET
Each game brings its own storyline, from the Raiders looking to make a statement against the Saints, to the Steelers and Chiefs facing off in what could be a playoff preview, and ending with the Ravens and 49ers in a battle of two of the league’s top teams.
Highlight Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The spotlight of today’s Christmas Day games shines brightest on the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs, scheduled for a 4:30 PM ET kickoff. This game is not just another regular-season encounter; it’s a clash of titans with significant implications for playoff positioning.
Why It Matters: The Steelers, under the guidance of their seasoned coach Mike Tomlin, have shown resilience and toughness this season, often relying on their defense to keep games close. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by the dynamic Patrick Mahomes, have been offensive juggernauts, with Mahomes continuing to redefine the quarterback position with his arm talent and mobility. This game represents a classic battle between a stout defense and an explosive offense, making it a must-watch for any football enthusiast.
Key Players to Watch: For the Steelers, eyes will be on T.J. Watt, whose ability to disrupt plays could be crucial in containing Mahomes. On offense, running back Najee Harris will be pivotal, especially in controlling the clock and keeping Mahomes off the field. For the Chiefs, besides Mahomes, the receiving duo of Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice will be key, with their chemistry often leading to big plays.
How to Watch
With modern technology, watching NFL games has become more accessible than ever. Here’s how you can catch all the action on Christmas Day 2024:
Television: Traditionalists can tune into their local or national networks. The Raiders vs. Saints game will be broadcast on CBS, the Steelers vs. Chiefs on Netflix, and the Ravens vs. 49ers on NBC. This unique arrangement showcases the NFL’s commitment to reaching fans through various platforms, with Netflix entering the fray for live sports broadcasting.
Streaming: For those who prefer streaming or are away from a TV, options abound. Netflix is making a bold move by streaming the Steelers vs. Chiefs game, a first for the platform in terms of live NFL action. NFL Game Pass, available through the NFL app or website, offers live streaming of out-of-market games. Additionally, services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV carry the channels broadcasting today’s games, providing a convenient way to watch from any device.
Mobile Viewing: The NFL Mobile App and team-specific apps often provide streaming options, especially useful for fans on the go or those looking to keep up with multiple games. Remember, data usage and streaming quality can
vary depending on your service provider.
Game Time and TV Schedule
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the game times and where you can catch them:
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Channel: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+, NFL Game Pass
Preview: This game is intriguing as both teams look to close out the year strong. The Raiders, with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, face a Saints team that has been surprisingly competitive, thanks to their defense and the playmaking of their quarterback, Derek Carr. It’s a game that could feature a lot of defensive action, with both teams known for their ability to pressure the quarterback.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Channel: Netflix
Streaming: Netflix, NFL Game Pass
Preview: As previously mentioned, this is the highlight game of the day. The Steelers’ defense will have its hands full with Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. However, if Pittsburgh can manage to keep the game close and utilize their ground game effectively, they might just pull off an upset. This game is also historic for Netflix, marking their entry into live NFL broadcasts, which could change how fans consume live sports in the future.
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
Time: 8:15 PM ET
Channel: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, NFL Game Pass
Preview: Capping off the day’s festivities, this game promises to be a strategic chess match. The Ravens, with their physical style of play and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capability, will challenge the 49ers’ defense, which has been one of the stingiest in the league. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ offense, led by Brock Purdy, has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with playmakers like Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey. This game could very well be a preview of a potential Super Bowl matchup.
Additional Streaming Options for NFL Games Today
For fans looking for alternative ways to stream the games:
NFL Sunday Ticket: Although typically for Sunday games, some packages might offer access to these special holiday games. Check with your provider for any special promotions or packages available for Christmas Day.
Amazon Prime Video: While not listed for today’s games, keep an eye on Amazon for future NFL streaming rights, as they’ve already dipped their toes in with Thursday Night Football.
Local Sports Apps: Many local sports networks have apps that might stream local broadcasts of the games, especially useful if you’re in the market area of one of the playing teams.
Christmas Day 2024 in the NFL is set to be a memorable one, with a lineup that caters to fans of all stripes. Whether you’re rooting for a comeback story, a defensive showdown, or an offensive explosion, today’s games have something for everyone. The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs game, especially, stands out not only for its competitive nature but also for its historic broadcast on Netflix, potentially marking a new era in sports viewing.
