Netflix adds five NFL games to its 2026 streaming lineup
The streaming platform is expanding its sports portfolio by securing rights to specific Thursday and Friday night matchups, though a significant portion of the slate remains undecided.
Netflix has finalized a portion of its professional American football coverage for the upcoming 2026 regular season. The streaming service will broadcast five specific games, marking a deliberate expansion into live sports content. This move positions the platform as a more consistent destination for fans who prefer watching matches through subscription-based services rather than traditional broadcast networks.
The schedule kicks off with an international matchup and includes two games played on Christmas Day. However, the lineup is not yet complete, as one slot for a late-season game remains undetermined. For viewers, this represents a shift in how they access certain high-profile matchups, though the selection is limited to a handful of dates out of the entire 18-week season.
International opener starts the season
The first game on the Netflix slate is scheduled for Thursday, September 10. This matchup features the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams. As is common for opening week fixtures, this game is set to take place in Australia, catering to a global audience. It serves as the initial entry point for fans looking to start their season on the streaming platform.
Holiday dates anchor the mid-season
Following the opener, Netflix has secured rights to two games occurring on Wednesday, November 25, and Friday, December 25. The Thanksgiving game sees the Green Bay Packers traveling to Los Angeles to face the Rams. Christmas Day offers a double feature, with the Packers also hosting the Chicago Bears, while the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos. These holiday slots are traditionally high-profile events in the NFL calendar.
Final matchup remains undecided
The final slot in the Netflix schedule is reserved for a Week 18 game on Saturday, January 9. According to the source, The List Wire, this matchup has not yet been determined and will be announced later in the season. This leaves a gap in the viewing plan for subscribers who wish to follow the entire regular season on the platform, requiring them to check back for updates as the league year progresses.
