Chiefs-Dolphins Peacock game becomes biggest live-streamed event in US history

There were plenty of fans on social media that were furious about the NFL using Peacock for the Chiefs-Dolphins Wild Card game. There were plenty of fans that didn’t want to pay for a subscription to watch one playoff game. Well, they got some bad news on Sunday evening, after NBC released the numbers of the game during the Lions-Rams Wild Card matchup.

NBC celebrates the Peacock game, calling it the "most streamed event ever" with 23 million viewers and thanking Roger Goodell and the NFL.

Mike Tirico calls it "A milestone moment in media and sports history."

NBC also thanks you for your subscription fee. pic.twitter.com/WGJQMRzVP2

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 15, 2024

The network celebrated the game, calling it the “most streamed event ever” with 23 million viewers. Mike Tirico called it “A milestone moment in media and sports history.”

Charles Omenihu gave away 90 subscriptions to Peacock

The NFL and NBC made a polarizing choice in putting the Kansas City Chiefs-Miami Dolphins wildcard matchup on Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium, airing the game exclusively on NBC’s Peacock streaming service. It was a decision that irked Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu.

So he took matters into his own hands, giving away 90 subscriptions to fans ahead of the weekend. He solicited fans to explain their case for a login on social media, picking the winners on Friday.

“Alright Chiefs Kingdom, I saw the comments and want y’all to be able to watch us play…So, I’m giving away 90 3-month Peacock memberships!” Omenihu, who wears No. 90, said.

At $6 monthly for three months, across 90 people, Omenihu was on the hook for around $1620 for the giveaway. Certainly, a manageable price tag for an NFL player and worth it for Omenihu to help some fans catch the game.

The Chiefs and Dolphins game on Peacock wasn’t really close. Kansas City ended up winning 26-7, thanks to a dominant showing from their defense. The Chiefs held the Dolphins to just seven points and they basically shut down Tyreek Hill–one of the most explosive receivers in league history. Hill hauled in just five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Chiefs corner L’Jarius Sneed did a remarkable job on him.

Kansas City got an excellent performance from Rashee Rice, who hauled in eight catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. Patrick Mahomes had a decent game, completing 23 of 41 passes for 262 yards, while tossing in a touchdown. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had 24 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Fans were lucky they could watch it on Peacock, rather than have to be in Kansas City. The game featured some of the coldest weather of any game in NFL history.

On3’s Andrew Graham also contributed to this article.