NFL Christmas Gameday is back, and Netflix has revealed the new on-air booth talent for its December 25 coverage.
Following last year’s record-breaking viewership, the 2025 games will once again spotlight high-profile matchups with a fresh mix of familiar play-by-play announcers and former NFL stars in the broadcast booth.
Washington, D.C. Matchup: Cowboys vs. Commanders
The early game kicks off at 1 pm ET from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Ian Eagle will handle play-by-play, joined by analysts Nate Burleson and Matt Ryan. Burleson brings his dual role as CBS Sports analyst and CBS Mornings co-host, while Ryan adds a quarterback’s insight from his recent playing career.
Minneapolis Matchup: Lions vs. Vikings
At 4:30 pm ET, the focus shifts to Minneapolis and U.S. Bank Stadium. Noah Eagle, already a rising presence in sports broadcasting with NBC Sports, will call the action alongside Drew Brees. The former Super Bowl MVP adds his experience as a quarterback and analyst, making the late-afternoon broadcast one of the day’s highlights.
NFL Christmas Gameday’s Record with Netflix
Last year’s NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix reached 65 million U.S. viewers, according to Nielsen. With over 26.5 million domestic viewers on average and more than 30 million globally, the holiday slate became the most streamed set of NFL games in U.S. history. Beyoncé’s halftime performance was a cultural moment that amplified its reach far beyond sports fans.
That level of viewership set a precedent. Netflix’s involvement in live sports, particularly on a holiday, now has proof of concept. The streamer is doubling down with a new mix of booth talent, wider international availability, and continuity in production through CBS Sports and NFL Media.
The Holiday Tradition in a New Era
The NFL’s Christmas Day tradition has usually belonged to network television, but Netflix’s entry has altered the landscape. By blending established play-by-play voices with recent NFL retirees, the broadcasts aim to satisfy both casual holiday viewers and committed fans.
For Netflix, NFL Christmas Gameday is not just about sports rights. It’s about building a live event portfolio that complements its core scripted and unscripted programming. For the NFL, it means expanding global reach at a time when international growth remains a priority.
What to Expect This Year
NFL Christmas Gameday returns December 25 with Cowboys vs. Commanders in Washington, D.C. and Lions vs. Vikings in Minneapolis. With Ian Eagle, Nate Burleson, Matt Ryan, Noah Eagle, and Drew Brees in the booth, the broadcasts balance seasoned voices with fresh perspectives.
Last year’s numbers proved there’s an audience for NFL on Netflix. This year’s Christmas Gameday will test whether the momentum can continue, making it one of the most anticipated live sports experiments of the holiday season.
Key Details
- Event: NFL Christmas Gameday
- Date: December 25, 2025
- Games: Cowboys vs. Commanders (1 pm ET), Lions vs. Vikings (4:30 pm ET)
- Booth Talent: Ian Eagle, Nate Burleson, Matt Ryan, Noah Eagle, Drew Brees
- Locations: Washington, D.C. (Northwest Stadium), Minneapolis, MN (U.S. Bank Stadium)
- Producer: CBS Sports (game production), NFL Media (studio coverage), EverWonder Studio (executive producer)
- Availability: Global on Netflix (English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German); CBS affiliates in local team markets; NFL+ on U.S. mobile devices
