Steelers Fans Scared About Chiefs Christmas Day Game On Netflix Get A Clear Answer From The NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their hardest part of the 2024 schedule. In a grueling 10-day stretch, they’ll face three legitimate Super Bowl contenders: the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a brutal stretch that will test the Steelers' resilience and Super Bowl hopes, but fans are also worried about more than just the caliber of opponents.

One major concern stems from the Steelers' Christmas Day game against the Chiefs, which will be streamed on Netflix. This decision has already sparked frustration among fans, as streaming platforms continue to take over broadcasting rights, leading to higher costs and more hurdles in watching their favorite team. It’s an issue that’s become more significant as the NFL looks to expand its media reach.

Adding to the anxiety, the last high-profile event streamed on Netflix—Mike Tyson's fight with Jake Paul—was marred by technical issues. Many viewers experienced constant streaming errors, which raised doubts about the reliability of Netflix as a platform for live sports. NFL executive vice president Hans Schroeder addressed these concerns via Pro Football Talk, hoping to reassure fans that the streaming experience will be smooth for the upcoming game, despite past failures on the platform.

"I think they have done an incredible job with all their preparations, every piece of what they’re putting in place," Schroeder said Wednesday. "The core of it is how the game is going to be produced. They’re going to be produced by CBS. They’re as good as a live-sports production entity as there is in the world with a ton of history of doing the NFL and many other sports."

Schroeder emphasized why NFL fans don’t need to be overly concerned. Unlike the Tyson-Paul fight, which wasn’t handled by CBS, the NFL games will be. 

This gives fans a reason for confidence, as the games will benefit from the reliable infrastructure and expertise that CBS brings to the table, reducing the likelihood of the same streaming issues.

"So, unlike even the fight that people look at the fight and maybe look at streaming, there are some production areas that I think they will work through, and that certainly will be in CBS’ hands and we’re incredibly excited about that. I think there were some bumps certainly with Netflix, but everything we’ve seen, we think their plan and the work we’re doing alongside them, we’re incredibly confident in and we feel incredibly well prepared for a great day on Christmas Day for our fans, and fans not only here but around the world, so we’re really excited about that."

The issues with the Tyson-Paul fight don’t necessarily mean the NFL games will experience the same problems. The fight saw an unprecedented number of viewers, and Netflix engineers are confident that the NFL games won’t face the same strain. However, this doesn’t guarantee a flawless experience.

As this is the first time the NFL will be streamed on Netflix, some hiccups are still possible. Additionally, it appears the NFL has no intention of ending its partnership with Netflix anytime soon and is optimistic about the future of their collaboration. This may leave Steelers and NFL fans frustrated, especially until they see proof that Netflix can handle the demand and deliver a smooth, enjoyable streaming experience for football fans.

Steelers Have A Chance To Make A Huge Statement On Christmas Day

For Steeler Nation, the stream is a concern, but the real focus is on beating the Chiefs. Taking down Patrick Mahomes is never easy, but neither is facing Mike Tomlin and this 10-3 Steelers team. 

With a chance to make a major statement on Christmas Day, the Steelers are ready to prove they can stand toe-to-toe with one of the NFL’s best.

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