Crucially, viewing figures also climbed among older age groups, dispelling doubts that streaming services would fail to connect with supporters accustomed to conventional broadcast methods. Armed with proof that enthusiasts will chase premier matchups onto digital platforms, the NFL is doubling down on this approach.

Only one intradivisional game is on the schedule for the 2025-26 NFL playoffs' wild-card weekend, and it's between two extremely familiar NFC North foes.

This was the first time since the 2018 season that the Bears finished with an above .500 record, and they were really rocking for a good stretch of the season.