Christmas Eve Football Games 2025: The Holiday NFL Schedule

No Games on Christmas Eve? Here's Your Holiday Football Guide

Wondering "are there any football games on today" on Christmas Eve? The answer for 2025 is a surprising no. While the NFL typically fills holiday schedules with action, this year features no games on December 24th. Instead, football fans get a tripleheader on Christmas Day with three intriguing matchups featuring division rivalries and playoff implications.

Christmas Day NFL Football Schedule 2025

While you won't find "any football games today" on Christmas Eve, Thursday December 25th brings a full slate of action:

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (1:00 PM ET)

Where to Watch: Netflix (national) + local CBS affiliates in Dallas/Washington markets
Key Storylines: This NFC East showdown features two teams eliminated from playoff contention. The Cowboys (6-8-1) look to rebound from a three-game losing streak, while the Commanders (4-11) will be without injured QB Jayden Daniels. Expect fireworks in a game with the third-highest point total of the week (Over 50.5 points favored).

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (4:30 PM ET)

Where to Watch: Netflix (national) + local CBS affiliates in Detroit/Minneapolis markets
Key Storylines: The Lions (8-7) cling to a 7% playoff chance in this NFC North clash. The Vikings (7-8) are eliminated and will start rookie QB Max Brosmer after losing J.J. McCarthy to a hand injury. Despite both teams' struggles, this matchup features the most playoff relevance of the day.

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (8:20 PM ET)

Where to Watch: Prime Video + local NBC affiliates in Kansas City/Denver markets
Key Storylines: The AFC West showdown features the only playoff team among the six participants. The Broncos (12-3) aim to secure the AFC's top seed, while the Chiefs (6-9) start third-string QB Chris Oladokun after injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. Denver is a 13.5-point favorite in a game that resembles "coal in the stocking" for NFL purists.

Why This Christmas Slate Disappoints (But Still Matters)

As Yahoo Sports notes, these games lack the star power and playoff stakes we expected when the schedule was set. Injuries have decimated key teams:

• Commanders: Without QB Jayden Daniels
• Vikings: Without QBs J.J. McCarthy and Sam Darnold
• Chiefs: Without QBs Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew

Yet the NFL tradition continues. "We'll still watch," admits Yahoo's Frank Schwab. "But like when you unwrap those ugly socks, we'll politely smile and put them on." The Cowboys-Commanders game offers fantasy appeal with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, while the Broncos-Chiefs clash has historical significance as Denver chases its first division title since 2015.

How to Watch All Holiday Football

For "what football games are on today" on Christmas Day, remember:

• Netflix streams the early games nationwide
• Prime Video hosts the nightcap
• Local broadcast stations cover games in team markets

Even with "lackluster matchups" per critics, these "nfl christmas games" deliver division rivalries, potential upsets, and the joy of holiday football traditions. Whether you're betting on point totals or just enjoying family time, this "christmas nfl games" slate offers something for every fan.

"The NFL didn't want to stick broadcast partners with bad matchups for Christmas. On paper, back when the schedule was released in May, the Christmas slate looked great. It didn't turn out as expected." - Yahoo Sports