Netflix is making a serious power play in the NFL world. What began as a Christmas Day experiment has rapidly evolved into a full-fledged partnership, with the streaming giant set to carry a surprising slate of games through the 2026 season. For fans, this means more football than ever—and in some unexpected slots.
The biggest headline? The NFL's historic season opener between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will be played in Australia—the league's first-ever regular-season game Down Under. And for most viewers, Netflix will be the exclusive home for this landmark event.
But the real shocker comes on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Netflix will reportedly broadcast a brand-new Thanksgiving Eve matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. Traditionally, Thanksgiving football has been a Thursday-only affair, but the NFL is now turning the entire week into a holiday football marathon. It's a major shift for the league's calendar—and a huge win for fans craving more prime-time action.
Netflix's Christmas Day partnership is also continuing, following two successful holiday broadcasts. The platform will again air Christmas Gameday matchups in 2026, cementing the NFL's belief that holiday football is premium streaming content. Clearly, Netflix is fully committed to being part of the league's biggest showcase windows.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition comes late in the season. Netflix is expected to carry meaningful Week 18 games with playoff implications—a huge development considering that Week 18 has become one of the most-watched weekends in recent NFL history. This gives the platform a direct stake in the drama of the regular-season finale.
The expansion doesn't stop with games. Netflix will also stream the NFL Honors during Super Bowl week, further integrating the streaming giant into every major moment of the NFL calendar—from the season opener to the Super Bowl.
The NFL's television landscape is changing rapidly. Traditional networks are no longer the only major players. Now, the league is aggressively partnering with streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and others, completely reshaping how fans consume football. Based on these new additions, Netflix isn't just experimenting anymore—it's officially taking its place on the NFL's biggest stages.