NFL Christmas Day Didn’t Deliver, But Sunday’s Bills-Eagles Clash Might Save the Week
When the NFL dropped its 2025 schedule back in May, there was every reason to believe Christmas Day was going to be a marquee moment - a tripleheader stacked with playoff-caliber matchups and major star power. The league, along with its streaming partners Netflix and Amazon Prime, had to be feeling pretty good about the holiday slate.
On paper, it looked like a gift to fans: Cowboys vs. Commanders to kick things off, a divisional rivalry with history and heat.
Then Lions vs. Vikings, a rematch of the battle that decided last year’s NFC North.
And finally, the defending champion Chiefs squaring off against the Broncos - a game that was supposed to have major AFC West implications.
Instead? Coal in the stocking.
The Cowboys, Commanders, Vikings - and yes, even the Chiefs - are already out of the playoff picture. Detroit is technically still alive, but their postseason hopes are hanging by a thread.
That leaves Denver, the only team with something real to play for, going up against a Kansas City squad that’s down to its third-string quarterback. Not exactly the primetime drama the league had in mind.
It’s the kind of turn that might have the NBA quietly celebrating. Christmas used to belong to basketball - a showcase day loaded with high-profile matchups. And while the NFL still dominates the ratings game, the league’s trio of duds could open the door for the NBA to reclaim a little bit of its holiday spotlight.
But don’t worry - the NFL isn’t done yet. Sunday’s slate brings a matchup that could help erase the memory of Christmas clunkers: **Bills vs.
Eagles** in the 4:25 p.m. ET national window on FOX.
This one has real juice.
Playoff Implications and High Stakes
Both Buffalo and Philadelphia have already punched their postseason tickets, but there’s still plenty on the line. The Bills, despite a rollercoaster season, are clinging to hope in the AFC East.
The division crown is still mathematically in reach, though they’ll need help. Meanwhile, the Eagles are jockeying for playoff position in the NFC, aiming for that No. 2 seed to secure at least a couple of home games in January.
That means Sunday’s clash at Highmark Stadium isn’t just another late-season formality - it’s a statement game. And FOX is treating it as such, sending its top broadcast team of Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady, with Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi on the sidelines. It’s the only game in the late afternoon slot, so expect a national audience and a playoff-like atmosphere.
How to Watch and Listen
- Kickoff: Sunday, Dec. 28 at 4:25 p.m. ET
- Where: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
- TV: FOX
- Local stations include WUHF (Rochester), WUTV (Buffalo), WSYT (Syracuse), WFXV (Utica), WYDC (Elmira), WXXA (Albany), and WICZ (Binghamton)
- Streaming options:
- Live TV streamers like Fubo (free trial), Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket, Sling, Vidgo, and DirecTV Choice
- NFL.com and the NFL app (mobile only)
- NFL+ (mobile and tablet only)
Betting Lines (as of Wednesday)
- Spread: Bills -1.5
- Over/Under: 43.5
- Moneyline: Bills -120, Eagles +100
It’s a tight line, which tells you oddsmakers expect a close one - and likely a physical, playoff-style contest between two teams that know what’s at stake.
On the Radio
If you’re tuning in from the car or can’t get to a screen, the game will be broadcast on SiriusXM (channel 225 for the Bills feed, 380 for the Eagles). Locally, the Bills Radio Network will have full coverage with Chris Brown on play-by-play, Eric Wood on analysis, and Sal Capaccio reporting from the sidelines. Stations across New York state will be carrying the call, including:
- Buffalo: WGR 550 AM
- Rochester: WCMF 96.5 / WROC 950 AM
- Syracuse: WKRL 100.9 / 106.5
- Binghamton: WDRE 100.5 FM
- Elmira: WNGZ 1490 AM
- Ithaca: WIII 99.9 / 100.3 FM
- Bath: WVIN 98.3 FM
- Newark: WACK 1420 AM
- Dansville: WDNY 93.9 FM
- Auburn: WAUB 98.1 FM / 1590 AM
- Geneva: WGVA 95.9 FM / 1240 AM
The Bottom Line
Christmas Day may not have delivered the drama the NFL was hoping for, but Sunday’s Bills-Eagles showdown has all the ingredients to make up for it. Two playoff-bound teams, postseason seeding on the line, a national audience, and a broadcast crew built for big moments.
This one matters - and it’s coming at just the right time.