How to Stream NFL Christmas Day Games

If we learned anything from Netflix’s past few live streaming events, including the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, it’s that viewers shouldn’t be surprised by technical difficulties. There were complaints of buffering and laggy videos, and #NetflixCrash was trending throughout the fight. 

The cause of these technical issues appears to have been overburdened Netflix servers. It happens when too many people from the same area stream at the same time. So, if you want to avoid a similar fate during the NFL Christmas games, which are streaming on Netflix this year, read on to learn how ExpressVPN can help you avoid sufferin’ the bufferin’ and access the games wherever you are during the holiday season. 

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Quick Guide: How to stream the NFL Christmas football games with a VPN

Worried about buffering during the big games? Whether it’s overcrowded Netflix servers or your internet provider slowing you down because you’re streaming, a VPN is the ultimate game-changer. With a VPN, you can bypass both issues and enjoy 8 hours of uninterrupted, high-definition NFL action this Christmas.

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Where to watch the NFL Christmas Day games

Depending on where you are, there are a few ways to NFL Christmas football games:

• Netflix  
• DAZN Game Pass International
• DirecTV Stream, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV (which carry local CBS affiliates in the TV regions for the Steelers, Chiefs, Texans, and Ravens) 
   

How to watch the NFL Christmas Day games on Netflix 

Netflix has near-exclusive rights to stream NFL Christmas games in the U.S. CBS is producing the broadcasts and will use its top play-by-play teams to call the games. Netflix is available globally, so you don’t need to be in the U.S. to enjoy the games. 

There’s no extra cost to watch the games on Netflix, simply sign in to your account at kick-off and the games should appear as one of the spotlight shows. If sports content isn’t showing up based on your viewing history, just search for “NFL” or the team name to find the game. 

Working Christmas Day to make some extra money and worried your access to Netflix will be blocked? ExpressVPN lets you encrypt your traffic, bypassing restrictions so you never miss a touchdown, no matter where you are.

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How to watch the Christmas Day NFL games on TV

The exception to Netflix’s “near-exclusive” rights to these Christmas games in the U.S., is local CBS affiliates that will broadcast the games for hometown fans in the greater Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Houston, and Baltimore areas. If you’re in one of these regions, you can catch the games on free-to-air TV. 

If you’re away from home on Christmas and don’t have Netflix, you can still live stream the action through platforms that include local CBS affiliates, such as DirecTV Stream, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV. However, Paramount Plus will not be streaming the games.  

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How to stream the NFL Christmas games on NFL League Pass International

The DAZN Game Pass International is another option for watching the NFL Christmas football games outside the U.S. It has every game throughout the season, including the two Christmas games, live and on-demand without blackouts. The price varies depending on your country. Various packages are available, including one for those who only want to watch one specific team. 

DAZN is compatible with a wide range of devices, allowing you to watch the NFL Christmas Day games crowded around the big-screen TV with your 17 cousins, or the go using your phone or tablet.

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What NFL games are played on Christmas Day? 

The 2024 NFL Christmas Day action begins at 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT, featuring the Steelers, currently sitting top of their division, led by Russell Wilson and TJ Watt. They host the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, led by superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. 

In the second game of the Christmas day doubleheader, CJ Stroud’s high-octane Texans offense host the Baltimore Ravens, featuring two MVP candidates in Lamar Jackson and Derrick (King) Henry. 

Why you need a VPN to watch the NFL Christmas Day games

Have you ever noticed that your connection seems to slow down whenever you start streaming, causing buffering and lag? You could be dealing with activity-based ISP throttling. With a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted, meaning your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online and slow you down based on your streaming habits. 

If you’re trying to use your streaming services on restricted networks at work or school, you may find access is blocked. Using a VPN ensures you can securely access your home streaming platforms by encrypting your traffic, allowing you to bypass restrictions so you never miss a touchdown! If you have any questions about streaming NFL games (or any sports events) with a VPN, our dedicated customer support team is online 24/7 to help you out. 

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