STWF Sports|Nov. 18, 2025 – The NFL’s takeover of Christmas Day is now a full-fledged tradition — and Netflix is doubling down. After a wildly successful debut last year, the streaming giant returns with two marquee Christmas matchups, followed by a primetime finale on Amazon Prime. But fans tuning in will immediately notice one thing: the broadcast teams look completely different from Netflix’s 2024 rollout.

With multiple networks protecting their top personalities and refusing to loan them out this year, Netflix has rebuilt its NFL presentation from the ground up — with CBS, NBC, and NFL Network talent filling the void left by ESPN and Fox.

Three Christmas Games, Two Platforms, One Goal: Own the Holiday

This year’s slate features:

• Cowboys at Commanders — 1 p.m. ET (Netflix)

• Lions at Vikings — 4:30 p.m. ET (Netflix)

• Broncos at Chiefs — 8:15 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime)

The matchups are packed with playoff intrigue and star power, but the spotlight is equally on Netflix’s bold approach to its NFL coverage — and its new roster of voices calling the action.

ESPN and Fox Step Back — With One Exception

Over the summer, Front Office Sports reported that ESPN and Fox would be “reluctant” to allow their broadcasters to participate in Netflix’s NFL coverage again, after contributing heavily to last year’s debut.

That prediction proved true.

Gone are:

• Mina Kimes

• Laura Rutledge

• Greg Olsen

The only exception is Drew Brees, now full-time at Fox, who will keep his Netflix commitment because the agreement was made before he signed with the network.

New Broadcast Booths Headline Netflix’s 2025 NFL Presentation

Netflix has assembled two new broadcast teams:

Cowboys vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET)

• Play-by-play: Ian Eagle

• Analyst: Matt Ryan

• Analyst: Nate Burleson

This shift replaces last year’s combination anchored by J.J. Watt, who has since moved into CBS’s No. 2 broadcast team.

Lions vs. Vikings (4:30 p.m. ET)

• Play-by-play: Noah Eagle

• Analyst: Drew Brees

Brees steps into the role Greg Olsen filled last year. With Olsen off the table, Netflix leaned on Brees’ availability and familiarity with the platform.

Studio Shows Get a Full Makeover

Instead of one multi-hour studio broadcast, Netflix will run two separate pregame crews, each specifically tailored for its assigned matchup.

Studio Show for Cowboys-Commanders

• Host: Kay Adams (returning)

• Analysts: Austin Ekeler, Devin McCourty, Michael Irvin

Studio Show for Lions-Vikings

• Host: Jamie Erdahl

• Analysts: Brandon Marshall, Manti Te’o

Adams, a fan favorite from last year, anchors Netflix’s coverage again — but with an entirely new supporting cast.

Sideline Reporters and Special Guests Highlight a Loaded Production

Netflix is also tapping into CBS and NFL Network depth to fill out its sideline and rules coverage:

Cowboys-Commanders Sidelines

• Melanie Collins (CBS)

• Sara Walsh (NFL Network)

Lions-Vikings Sidelines

• AJ Ross (CBS)

• Dianna Russini (The Athletic)

In addition, Netflix plans to integrate a series of special guests, including:

• Bert Kreischer

• Tom Segura

• WWE star Seth Rollins

Rules analysis will come from Gene Steratore, while Scott Hanson and Kyle Long will contribute remote coverage.

Netflix Reinvents Its NFL Identity Without ESPN or Fox

Despite losing access to some of the industry’s biggest voices, Netflix appears confident in its revamped approach. By leaning into CBS, NFL Network, and high-profile entertainment crossovers, the streaming giant is signaling a long-term commitment to becoming the marquee partner for holiday NFL programming.

Last year proved Netflix could deliver massive numbers with high-stakes NFL action. This year, they aim to prove they can do it with a brand-new cast — and without the help of ESPN or Fox.

One thing is certain:
Christmas Day football is no longer an experiment — it’s a streaming battleground.