NFL Announces Bears vs. Packers Game Made History

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 5:43 PM ET

NFL fans can complain about not being able to or not even wanting to watch games on streaming services but the fact is the numbers make it clear that they will. The ratings for Saturday's massive Bears-Packers game proves it.

According to sports media insider Andrew Marchand, Amazon Prime Video had a whopping 31.6 million viewers tune in to the Bears' historic comeback win against the Packers. Marchand noted that it was the most-streamed game in NFL history. The previous mark was held by Netflix with their 27.5 million viewers this past Christmas.

"Amazon Prime Video had 31.6M viewers for Bears-Packers, according to a source. It's the most streamed game in NFL history," Marchand wrote on X.

Amazon Prime Video had 31.6M viewers for Bears-Packers, according to a source.

It's the most streamed game in NFL history.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) January 13, 2026

Streaming vs. TV

For years and years, streaming services such as Prime Video and Netflix have been trying to get onto even footing with the likes of CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC for NFL content. Amazon got their wish a few years ago with the exclusive broadcasting rights to Thursday Night Football and Netflix made their first foray recently with their NFL on Christmas and Black Friday broadcasts.

But fans on social media have opposed the expansion onto those services, along with others such as NBC's Peacock app, at every turn.

Even today fans still complain that they or family members can't see the games they love because they don't know how to find the games on those apps.

Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Amazon Prime Video's Thursday Night Football cast (L to R) Charissa Thompson and Tony Gonzalez and Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth and Richard Sherman on set before the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans against at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

But while the fans may be unhappy, the NFL certainly isn't. The numbers make it clear that more and more fans are adopting streaming services to view their biggest games. That only means one thing: More games will be featured on them. Bigger ones too.

We may be years and years away from Amazon or Netflix challenging the likes of NBC, FOX and CBS for the truly titanic games like the conference title games or even the Super Bowl. But it feels like that day is coming - sooner than once thought possible.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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