Wed Dec 25 18:20:00 UTC 2024: ## NFL Makes History with Christmas Day Doubleheader on Unprecedented Wednesday Games

**NEW YORK** – In a historic move, the NFL will host a doubleheader on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th – a day traditionally off-limits for the league. This marks only the third and fourth Wednesday games in NFL history since 1948, surpassing the previous total of two games played on a Wednesday. The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Houston Texans in a pair of games streamed on Netflix.

The scheduling decision stems from Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year. To maintain equitable rest periods for all teams, the NFL strategically arranged for four teams to play on Saturday of Week 16, then re-match on Christmas. This unique arrangement reflects the league’s ongoing pursuit of innovative scheduling opportunities and maximizing viewership, securing a lucrative broadcasting deal with Netflix.

While NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has assured fans that Wednesday games will not become commonplace, the Christmas Day scheduling quirk is expected to recur in 2030, the next time Christmas falls on a Wednesday. The decision to play on Christmas itself has evolved throughout NFL history. Initially avoiding games on Christmas, the league has gradually increased its Christmas Day game count, mostly on Sundays. However, with this year’s doubleheader, the NFL demonstrates a willingness to break with tradition for special circumstances.

This year’s matchups hold significant playoff implications. The Chiefs, vying for the AFC’s top seed, and the Steelers, battling for the AFC North title, will play in a high-stakes early game. The late game will feature the Ravens, also aiming for the AFC North crown, against the Texans, who, despite their low seeding, aim to build momentum ahead of the playoffs. The games will provide a critical test for Netflix’s streaming capabilities after concerns arose from previous large-scale streaming events. The performance of quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Kenny Pickett (Steelers), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), and C.J. Stroud (Texans) will be pivotal in these crucial contests.

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