Roger Goddell has been on a mission to make the NFL the end-all, be-all source of sports entertainment. Year after year we see a new addition to the league whether it be adding weeks to the schedule, games overseas in varying countries, and now, Christmas Day. The NBA has always had the monopoly on Christmas Day sports, as their slate of games always stood alone. But the NFL has never been afraid to take on competitors, as they have maybe the most powerful brand in the world.
There were a few concerns floating around both the broadcast of these games and the actual product that would be displayed. Netflix had issues streaming the Paul vs. Tyson fight a few weeks ago as the high volume of traffic crashed the streaming platform, so Netflix had a lot riding on the line in these game. Luckily there were no issues streaming, only issues with the user-friendly side of the site. The other concern was simply how good the games would be. On paper, Kansas City vs. Pittsburgh and Baltimore vs. Houston are two thrilling matchups. But this would be the third game in 11 days for these teams, meaning we would likely get two slow and sluggish games.
Both would end up as blowouts, the Chiefs winning 29-10 to secure the one-seed in the AFC. What the Chiefs have done this season is pretty crazy. We know the Chiefs as the team that dominates everyone, but they did it different this year. They won games in crazy ways like blocked kicks, kicks off the uprights, fumbled snaps, questionable penalties, you name it. But they sit at 15-1 on the season and are maybe playing some of the best ball of the season.
And the Ravens winning 31-2 in a game that was essentially over after the first drive. Lamar Jackson continuing to make his case for yet another MVP with his performance last night. The Ravens are another team that is getting dangerous. They’re playing great defense, scoring a lot, and could be another team to make a run.
I get the NFL wants to fit as many games on the schedule as possible, but making teams play this many games in such a tight span seems a bit absurd. It obviously didn’t result in exciting football. The NFL continues tonight on Thursday Night Football between the Seahawks and the Bears.
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