NFL Christmas Day Lineup Boasts All-Star Announcing Squad
Get ready for a star-studded Christmas Day football feast, complete with a lineup of broadcast royalty. The NFL and Netflix are unleashing a powerhouse announcer roster for their epic Christmas Day doubleheader, pulling talent from multiple networks for a truly unique experience.
First: Chiefs vs. Steelers Kick off the Festivities
The first matchup, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET, pits the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Calling the action will be veteran CBS play-by-play man Ian Eagle, alongside analysts Nate Burleson and JJ Watt.
Gentlemen, start your engines!” Fans familiar with The NFL Today on CBS will recognize Burleson and Watt, both of whom also have experience calling games for CBS’s Nickelodeon alternate telecasts. Melanie Collins (CBS) and Stacey Dales (NFL Network) will be providing sideline reports.
Afternoon Showdown: Ravens Battle Texans
Next up, at 4:30 p.m. ET, the Baltimore Ravens take on the Houston Texans. That game will be called by NBC’s Noah Eagle – yes, Ian’s son – paired with Fox analyst Greg Olsen. The NFL Network’s Jamie Erdahl and Steve Wyche will be on the sidelines, providing live updates and insights.
Adding a familiar face to the overall broadcast will be NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, bringing his insider knowledge to both games. Rules analyst Gene Steratore (CBS) will also be lending his expertise to the nationwide coverage.
Star-Powered Studio Coverage: Keep the Festive Vibes High
From Los Angeles, former NFL Network and current FanDuel host Kay Adams will anchor the studio coverage. Joining her will be a lineup sure to set your football heart aflutter: former New Orleans Saints great Drew Brees, former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III, ESPN’s Mina Kimes, and NFL Network’s Manti Te’o. Meanwhile, ESPN host Laura Rutledge will be holding down the fort in Pittsburgh, joined by analyst brothers Devin and Jason McCourty, who currently work for NBC and CBS, respectively.
BeYONCÉ Claims The Halftime Stage: Ms. Knowles-Carter Will Elevate Fans’ Holiday Celebrations with Her Performance
Adding to the holiday spectacle, the halftime show of the Ravens-Texans game will feature a performance by none other than Beyoncé.
Netflix Makes its NFL Mark; Sky’s the Limit
This Christmas telecast is more than just memorable matchups and star power; it signals a significant move by Netflix.
The three-year deal signed in May gives the streamer at least one game each Christmas.
The 2025 and 2026 holiday games are already on the NFL’s calendar. As ever, NFL tradition dictates that games will air on free TV stations as well, ensuring wider access for fans. CBS stations in the four teams’ home markets will also carry these Christmas Day clashes.
How is Netflix’s entry into the NFL market impacting traditional broadcasting?
Joining us today is sports media commentator, Sarah Jones, to discuss this star-studded Christmas Day lineup. Sarah, Netflix is throwing its hat into the NFL ring with a bang, do you think this move signifies a larger shift in how we consume NFL content?
