The holiday season is usually a time for premium gifts, but for two streaming giants, the billion-dollar presents under the tree are looking more like a quarterback nightmare. While the league planned for a festive tripleheader of superstars, injuries and shifting playoff fates have left the broadcast booth with a much different reality. 

The massive investments from digital platforms were intended to bring elite matchups to viewers' living room.

The business of holiday football has reached staggering heights, with Netflix reportedly committing $150 million annually for a three-year deal to air Christmas Day games. This partnership reflects a strategic pivot by the league to capture global streaming audiences during one of the biggest viewership days of the year.

Not to be outdone, Amazon is also pouring significant resources into its Christmas coverage, leveraging its existing Thursday Night Football infrastructure to host the nightcap of this holiday tripleheader. Netflix and Amazon are not getting what they wanted under their billion-dollar Christmas trees.

With both platforms banking on high-stakes drama to drive subscriptions and ad revenue, the current injury reports have turned their festive celebrations into a scramble for relevance.

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As the games approach, fans are preparing for a lineup that looks more like a preseason showcase than a holiday gala.

The 1 pm ET kickoff on Netflix features a historic rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders that has lost its playoff luster. While Dallas still features Dak Prescott, the Commanders have turned to 39-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson after Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota were sidelined with injuries.

Moving to the 4:30 p.m. ET slot, the Detroit Lions face the Minnesota Vikings in a game that was supposed to be a heavyweight NFC North battle. Instead, with J.J. McCarthy suffering a hand fracture, Minnesota is forced to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

The Grinch saved the best, or perhaps the most unexpected, for last on Amazon Prime Video. With Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew both out with serious knee injuries, the Kansas City Chiefs will start Chris Oladokun against the Denver Broncos.

Despite the staggering financial commitments from these streaming giants, the unpredictable nature of injuries has significantly dampened the star power of the 2025 holiday slate. It remains to be seen whether the sheer popularity of the league can overcome a lineup dominated by backup quarterbacks and journeymen.

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What is your opinion on the massive amount spent by Netflix? Let us know in the comments below