NFL on Netflix: Fans already preparing for a laggy Christmas day experience

NFL fans are buzzing about the upcoming Christmas Day games on Netflix, but it’s not all excitement. Instead, many are bracing themselves for what they fear could be another lag-filled live-streaming experience. Netflix will host two back-to-back games: the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. ET. It’s a big first for the streaming giant, but the ghosts of past live events have left fans cautious — if not outright skeptical.

“Prepare for the lag,” posted one user, while another remarked, “This fina lag like sh*t.” And they’re not just being dramatic. The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight also streamed on Netflix, set records with over 65 million concurrent streams. But for many viewers, including myself, it was a buffering nightmare. The whole time I was cussing my ISP, only to later find out I wasn’t alone. “It better be higher quality than the Tyson fight,” wrote one fan, summing up the general mood heading into this NFL debut.

Netflix has reportedly promised it’s learned from these hiccups. The company says it’s bolstered its tech infrastructure, even bringing in extra support from providers like Comcast and Charter Communications to handle the anticipated holiday traffic. But that’s not enough to erase memories of the infamous Love Is Blind reunion debacle.

Adding even more pressure to the day, Beyoncé will perform her first live set from her country album, Cowboy Carter, during the halftime show of the Ravens-Texans game. The performance is expected to draw millions of fans, further straining Netflix’s capacity. “Lord protect us from a Netflix crash,” posted one viewer from Europe, already dreading the late-night broadcast in their timezone.

The NFL, however, seems confident. “I think the evolution of the medium is getting there,” Brian Rolapp, the league’s chief media and business officer, said in a recent interview. Netflix’s ability to pull this off could set the tone for future partnerships, as more sports leagues and broadcasters move into streaming.

Still, fans aren’t letting their guard down. “If it’s laggy, this will be the first and last NFL game on Netflix,” warned one user. Others have already joked about seeking out alternative streaming options just in case. “Yeah, we’ll be watching your NFL game on Streameast. Nobody tryna get that lag again,” wrote another.

With millions expected to tune in, Netflix’s first real test as a live sports host is shaping up to be a make-or-break moment. Whether it can rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure, one thing is certain: fans will have plenty to say about it, for better or worse.