Christmas Day 2024 wasn’t just about family gatherings and gifts under the tree—it was about football, entertainment, and a game-changing partnership between the NFL and Netflix. With two thrilling matchups and a jaw-dropping halftime performance by Beyoncé, the evening proved to be a resounding success for fans, the league, and Netflix alike.
The Kansas City Chiefs showed why they’re Super Bowl favorites with a dominant 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Patrick Mahomes put on a masterclass, racking up 320 passing yards and three touchdowns. Mahomes’ connection with tight end Travis Kelce continues to be unmatched. Kelce not only became the franchise leader in touchdown catches but also hit a career milestone with his 1,000th reception. The Chiefs secured home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs, giving their fans every reason to dream big as the postseason looms.
Meanwhile, the Steelers struggled to find momentum. Despite flashes of promise from rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh’s offense couldn’t keep pace with the powerhouse that is Kansas City. The game underscored the Steelers’ need for offseason adjustments as they look toward next season.
In the second game of the evening, the Baltimore Ravens dismantled the Houston Texans 31-2. Lamar Jackson was electric as always, breaking Michael Vick’s record for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback. Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities were on full display, with 87 rushing yards, 168 passing yards, and two touchdown passes.
The Texans, on the other hand, were outmatched from start to finish. Baltimore’s running back Derrick Henry added fuel to the fire with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown, cementing the Ravens’ dominance. For Houston, it was a sobering reminder of the gap between them and the NFL’s elite teams.
The Halftime Performance
If the games weren’t enough, Beyoncé delivered a halftime performance that will be talked about for years. Riding onto the stage atop a white horse, she opened with her hit “Cuff It” and kept the energy high for nearly 13 minutes. She was later joined by Shaboozey and Post Malone, who added fresh flavors to the performance.
The setlist was a mix of classics and newer hits, perfectly curated to engage fans of all ages. Beyoncé’s stage presence and vocal prowess were a reminder of why she’s one of the greatest performers of our time. Social media erupted during and after the performance, with hashtags like #BeyoncéHalftime trending worldwide.
Netflix’s first foray into live sports broadcasting wasn’t without its challenges—some users experienced minor buffering issues early on—but overall, the streaming giant delivered. Broadcasting to over 200 countries, Netflix brought the games and halftime show to a global audience, cementing Christmas football as a burgeoning tradition.
This partnership between the NFL and Netflix is more than a one-off experiment; it’s a glimpse into the future of sports entertainment. By merging the accessibility of streaming with the spectacle of live sports, both entities have unlocked a new way to engage fans.
Christmas Day 2024 was a night of firsts: Netflix’s first live sports broadcast, Beyoncé’s first football halftime show, and yet another record-breaking performance from Lamar Jackson. Together, the NFL and Netflix created a festive event that appealed to football purists and casual viewers alike.
For fans, it was a perfect holiday gift. For Netflix, it was proof that live sports can thrive on a streaming platform. For the NFL, it was an opportunity to grow its global audience. If this is what Christmas football looks like, sign me up for more.
Baltimore Ravens 31 Houston Texans 2
Kansas City Chiefs 29 Pittsburgh Steelers 10
