NFL Games Tomorrow: Christmas Day Tripleheader Guide

The NFL delivers a holiday treat this year with a tripleheader of games on Christmas Day, featuring crucial matchups and intriguing storylines. While Christmas Eve stays quiet, Week 17 brings high-stakes divisional clashes and playoff implications as the regular season approaches its finale. Here's everything you need to know about tomorrow's slate.

The Christmas Day Schedule

This marks the fifth consecutive year the NFL has scheduled games on Christmas Day, with three prime-time matchups taking center stage:

1. Washington Commanders (4-11) vs. Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)
   Time: 1:00 PM ET
   Where: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
   Stream: Netflix (also on local CBS in D.C./Dallas markets)
2. Minnesota Vikings (7-8) vs. Detroit Lions (8-7)
   Time: 4:30 PM ET
   Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
   Stream: Netflix (also on local CBS in Minneapolis/Detroit markets)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) vs. Denver Broncos (12-3)
   Time: 8:20 PM ET
   Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
   Stream: Prime Video (also on local NBC in KC/Denver markets)

Key Storylines & Playoff Implications

While all three games feature exciting football, each comes with unique narratives:

• Commanders vs. Cowboys: Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, but Washington's quarterback situation is chaotic. With Sam Howell injured and Marcus Mariota likely sidelined, 39-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson may start. Dallas aims to end the season strong behind Dak Prescott.
• Vikings vs. Lions: This is effectively a playoff game for Detroit. The Lions need a win and Packers losses to clinch a postseason berth. Minnesota counters with rookie Max Brosmer at QB after J.J. McCarthy's injury, relying on its top-ranked defense to secure the upset.
• Chiefs vs. Broncos: Denver can clinch the AFC's No. 1 seed with two wins. Kansas City, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future with backup Chris Oladokun under center due to Patrick Mahomes' injury. The rivalry adds extra intrigue to this primetime battle.

"The Broncos will rebound, but pride might keep the Chiefs in it for a bit." – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Analyst

How to Watch: Streaming & Local Restrictions

The NFL's Christmas Day broadcast strategy blends traditional and streaming platforms:

• Netflix will exclusively stream the first two games (Commanders-Cowboys and Vikings-Lions). Fans outside the local markets must have a Netflix subscription to watch.
• Amazon Prime Video hosts the nightcap (Chiefs-Broncos), continuing its "Thursday Night Football" coverage.
• Local TV: CBS will air the early games in team markets, while NBC covers the night game regionally. NFL+ will also offer mobile streaming.

Expert Predictions & Betting Insights

Analysts weigh in on the holiday matchups:

• Cowboys favored by 7 points, with Prisco projecting a 31-23 Dallas win.
• Lions favored by 6.5 against the Vikings, though SportsLine models suggest Minnesota covers the spread 50% of the time.
• Broncos favored by 13.5 against the Chiefs, with Prisco predicting a 24-13 Denver victory.

Despite injuries and playoff elimination for some teams, the Christmas tripleheader promises competitive football with playoff stakes on the line. Whether you're streaming on Netflix or Prime Video, prepare for a festive football feast tomorrow!