{"id":121575,"date":"2025-09-05T10:33:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T10:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/121575\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T10:33:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T10:33:24","slug":"chiefs-chargers-most-accessible-nfl-game-ever-but-not-without-headaches-for-fans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/121575\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiefs-Chargers ‘most accessible NFL game ever.’ But not without headaches for fans"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> face the Los Angeles Chargers <\/a>on Friday, Sept. 5 from S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil, it \u201cwill be the most accessible NFL game ever produced,\u201d according to league executive vice president for communications and public affairs Jeff Miller.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not the first NFL game ever exclusively streamed \u2013 NBCUniversal\u2019s Peacock, Amazon\u2019s Prime Video and Netflix have all had cracks at showing games \u2013 but all that is required is access to the Internet. No subscriptions. No dollars. Anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Counting YouTube, NFL games will air on seven platforms during the 2025 season: the three traditional networks (CBS, NBC, FOX), Prime Video for \u201cThursday Night Football,\u201d ESPN\/Disney for \u201cMonday Night Football\u201d and Netflix\u2019s two Christmas Day games.<\/p>\n

The NFL says it\u2019s keeping fans top of mind while sprinkling its product across the media ecosystem.<\/p>\n

1 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n

Prescott’s $60 million AAV makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL. The Dallas quarterback signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Cowboys on the eve of the 2024 NFL season opener.<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n

Prescott’s $60 million AAV makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL. The Dallas quarterback signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Cowboys on the eve of the 2024 NFL season opener.<\/p>\n

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2 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals<\/p>\n

Burrow also signed a deal with an AAV of $55 million, however his deal was for five years and $275 million. Burrow agreed to the extension with Cincinnati on Sept. 7, 2023.<\/p>\n

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3 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-2. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars<\/p>\n

Lawrence signed his own five-year, $275 million dollar extension on June 13, 2024. His AAV is also $55 million.<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-2. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n

Allen’s $55-million AAV ties him with Love, Burrow and Lawrence, however the Bills quarterback’s extension was for six years and $330 million.<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

6. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins<\/p>\n

With an AAV of $53.1 million, Tagovailoa barely beats the next few players on this list. The Dolphins signed him to a four-year, $212.4 million extension on July 26, 2024.<\/p>\n

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6 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions<\/p>\n

The Lions rewarded Goff with a four-year, $212 million extension before the 2024 NFL season after he helped turn Detroit into a top contender in the NFC. His deal has an AAV of $53 million.<\/p>\n

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7 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-7. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers<\/p>\n

Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL Draft shocked the world after taking over as the 49ers QB and turned his success into a five-year, $265 million contract on May 16, 2025. Purdy will earn an average of $53 million per season.<\/p>\n

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8 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

9. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n

Herbert earns an AAV of $52.5 million after he signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension with the Chargers before the 2023 NFL season.<\/p>\n

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9 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

10. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens<\/p>\n

Jackson’s average salary is $52 million thanks to the five-year, $260 million contract he signed on April 27, 2023.<\/p>\n

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10 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

11. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

The Super Bowl LIX MVP earns an average salary of $51 million. He signed a five-year, $255 million deal in April 2023 and has already paid off the Eagles’ investment with a Super Bowl win.<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

12. Micah Parsons, Green Bay Packers<\/p>\n

Parsons became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history after signing a four-year, $186 million extension following his trade from the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers. His AAV is $46.5 million.<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

13. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

Murray earns $46.1 million on average after he signed a five-year, $230.5 million deal on July 21, 2022.<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

14. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns<\/p>\n

Despite playing just 19 games over three seasons with Cleveland, Watson’s contract has an AAV of $46 million. He signed a five-year, $230 million contract after the Browns acquired him in a trade with the Houston Texans on March 18, 2022.<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-15. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n

Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons before the 2024 NFL season. Despite losing the starting QB job to Michael Penix Jr., Cousins earns $45 million on average.<\/p>\n

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15 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-15. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs<\/p>\n

Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million deal is the biggest contract in NFL history, despite his $45 million AAV ranking him 15th on this list.<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

17. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n

The Rams signed Stafford to a two-year, $84 million extension for an AAV of $42 million before the 2025 NFL season.<\/p>\n

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17 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

18. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers<\/p>\n

Watt signed a three-year, $123 million deal on July 17, 2025, to briefly make him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback before Micah Parson’s extension with the Green Bay Packers. Watt earns an average salary of $41 million.<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

19. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals<\/p>\n

Chase became the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver after signing a four-year, $161 million extension before the 2025 NFL season. His average salary is $40.25 million<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

20. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns<\/p>\n

Garrett earns a $40 million AAV. The Browns defensive end signed a four-year, $160 extension on March 9, 2025.<\/p>\n

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20 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

21. Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders<\/p>\n

Crosby also earned his big payday in March, signing a three-year, $106.5 million contract just four days before Garrett’s extension. Crosby earns a $35.5 million AAV.<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

22. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n

Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension on June 3, 2024 to make him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback in history at the time. He earns $35 million on average.<\/p>\n

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22 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

T-23. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n

Two months after Jefferson’s deal, Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million extension with Dallas. Lamb’s AAV is $34 million.<\/p>\n

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23 \/ 23<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/p>\n

25. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks<\/p>\n

Darnold scored a payday with Seattle after a resurgent season with Minnesota in 2024. Darnold earns an AAV of $33.5 million after signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract on March 10, 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to continue to evolve with the landscape around us,\u201d NFL executive vice president for distribution Hans Schroder said during a conference call with reporters Sept. 2.<\/p>\n

The NFL remains committed to free-to-air distribution, Schroeder said. The foundation, 87%, of its games are available on broadcast TV stations, FOX and CBS affiliates, which is inherently fan-friendly, according to the NFL. Assuming fans have access to an antenna, all games in home markets are free. (Digital antennas for smart televisions cost around $20.)<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

For fans who don\u2019t live in the same television market as their favorite team is where it becomes more complicated \u2013 and pricier. \u201cSunday Ticket\u201d costs $276 for the year, but a new monthly option ($85) could be more palatable to fans. NFL RedZone, or NFL+ for those wanting to watch on a smartphone, is another option \u2013 at additional cost.<\/p>\n

Choice for fans a good thing? Or more of a headache?<\/p>\n

There is no denying the media landscape is different than it was 15 years ago, when broadcast\u00a0television was the sole medium for distribution. Now, fans that want to watch via a direct-to-consumer option (such as FOX One, Paramount+ or ESPN\u2019s app) or on traditional cable or a smartphone can do so.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe think adding choice and availability for our fans is a win for the fans,\u201d Schroeder said.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cWe want to be on the screens and platforms and places where we already know fans are spending their time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Except, fans aren\u2019t spending time there to watch football. Instilling that in fans will be a learned behavior. But the NFL believes fans are not paying simply to watch their games.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to be on those big platforms, and if you look where we\u2019ve gone on digital, I think the other thing I\u2019d say is that we are on platforms that are already highly-scaled with wide reach already,\u201d said Schroeder, noting that YouTube is available in almost every country in the world and that Netflix has approximately 300 million worldwide subscribers.<\/p>\n

Highest paid NFL players 2025: See where Patrick Mahomes, Micah Parsons rank<\/a><\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reality is our fans are spending more and more of their time across different parts of the media landscape,” Schroeder said. “I think by giving them more choice, more opportunities to access our content \u2026 that\u2019s great.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, it\u2019s about giving those choices and those opportunities. Once we do that, the fan can select the best way to engage and the best platforms for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not everybody, including the league\u2019s most obsessed fans, agrees.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe NFL is more fragmented than anybody else out there from a sports league standpoint, and obviously the reason for that is money,\u201d streaming expert Dan Rayburn told USA TODAY Sports<\/a> at the start of the 2024 season. \u201cThat\u2019s all it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Digital distribution means experimentation for NFL, broadcast partners<\/p>\n

YouTube is airing the game for an undisclosed amount, but is believed to be more than the $105 million NBCUniversal paid to air the 2024 Brazil contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers on Peacock.<\/p>\n

What the league is looking for in new partners is twofold \u2013 size and scale. YouTube satisfies those conditions. More than anything, the league wants the games produced and announced in a way that feels like any NFL game. That way, the league can continue to stand by its belief it can put any of the 272 regular season games in any slot.<\/p>\n

Innovation is another factor the NFL likes when it comes to new digital partners. One example would be Amazon\u2019s \u201cPrimeVision,\u201d which uses league proprietary data (NextGen Stats). YouTube is experimenting by spotlighting creators that have large followings on their platform; commissioner Roger Goodell filmed a promotional video with Jimmy \u201cMr. Beast\u201d Donaldson.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it comes to digital, there are more ways we can focus on innovating,\u201d Schroeder said.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: YouTube’s Chiefs-Chargers stream another hurdle for NFL fans<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When the Kansas City Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, Sept. 5 from S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":121576,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[49,48,67541,26795,1730,1727,2210,1316,514,28889,1747,67542,82,4718],"class_list":["post-121575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-christmas-day-games","tag-executive-vice-president","tag-green-bay-packers","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-los-angeles-chargers","tag-netflix","tag-nfl","tag-nfl-redzone","tag-philadelphia-eagles","tag-schroeder","tag-sports","tag-youtube"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=121575"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121575\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/121576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=121575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=121575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=121575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}