NFL’s decision to feature Packers-Bears game on Saturday Prime Video

The NFL surprised football fans with the recent schedule announcement for the 2026 Wild Card Weekend. The matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears was set for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, exclusively airing on Prime Video. This decision came as a shock since it was expected to land on Sunday, either on Fox in the afternoon or NBC for Sunday Night Football.

Both teams have drawn massive audiences in previous games, with millions of viewers tuning in to see these historic rivals in action. The ferocity of their matchups has made them must-see TV, attracting fans from large cities like Chicago. So, it was surprising when the Packers-Bears game was not placed on traditional networks.

Reports by Jeff Agrest of the Chicago Sun-Times reveal the NFL’s rationale for choosing Prime Video as the platform for this high-profile game. The league’s decision prioritizes its growing relationship with Amazon, the owner of Prime Video, demonstrating its interest in expanding into the streaming realm.

Despite the league’s usual tradition of favoring broadcast television for notable games, the NFL opted to partner with Prime Video to engage a younger audience. By featuring popular matchups on streaming services like Prime Video, the league aims to attract a more diverse and tech-savvy demographic.

The Ravens-Steelers showdown on Sunday Night Football was essentially a playoff game, influencing the NFL’s decision-making regarding Prime Video’s involvement in the Wild Card schedule. NBC’s earlier excitement for the Packers-Bears game was overshadowed by its broadcast of the intense Ravens-Steelers matchup, opening the door for Prime Video to host this classic NFC North rivalry.

So, the NFL’s choice to stream the Packers-Bears game on Prime Video not only signals a continued push into the digital era but also aims to cultivate a younger, tech-savvy fanbase. NBC and other networks maintain an interest in hosting marquee matchups, but the league’s strategic objectives led to the surprising scheduling decision for Wild Card Weekend. Look out for Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit to call the game for Prime Video on Saturday night at Soldier Field.