The NFL’s Christmas Day slate is here, and while the holiday spirit is strong, the playoff implications vary wildly across the board. From teams jockeying for postseason position to others simply playing out the string, today’s matchups offer a little bit of everything-from potential statement wins to pride-fueled divisional battles.
Game 1: Cowboys vs. Commanders (11:00 a.m.
MT / 1:00 p.m. ET, Netflix)
The day kicks off with a matchup between two NFC East teams whose seasons have already hit the off-ramp. The Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) and Washington Commanders (4-11) are both out of playoff contention, which isn’t exactly the storyline the league had in mind when this Christmas Day tripleheader was scheduled. Still, there’s something to be said for rivalry games-even when the stakes are low.
For Dallas, this is a chance to evaluate younger talent and give the coaching staff a final look at players on the bubble heading into the offseason. Washington, meanwhile, is in a similar position, but with even more questions to answer-particularly under center and on the defensive side of the ball. Don’t expect a playoff atmosphere, but do expect two teams trying to end the season on a high note.
Game 2: Lions vs. Vikings (2:30 p.m.
MT / 4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix)
Next up, we shift to the NFC North, where the Detroit Lions (8-7) are clinging to playoff hopes and desperately need a win to stay in the hunt. The Minnesota Vikings (7-8), on the other hand, have already been mathematically eliminated, but that doesn't mean they're rolling over.
Detroit has flashed potential all season long, but inconsistency has kept them from locking in a playoff spot. This is a critical moment for the Lions-win, and they live to fight another week.
Lose, and the door may slam shut on their postseason dreams. Expect Detroit to come out with urgency, leaning on their physical run game and an opportunistic defense.
Minnesota will likely treat this as a spoiler opportunity, and divisional pride is always on the line when these two teams meet. Even with their playoff hopes dashed, the Vikings can still make life miserable for a rival-and that’s often motivation enough.
Game 3: Broncos vs. Chiefs (6:15 p.m.
MT / 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
The primetime spotlight lands on the AFC West, where the Denver Broncos (12-3) are pushing for both a division title and the top seed in the AFC. Their opponent? The Kansas City Chiefs (6-9), who find themselves in unfamiliar territory-out of the playoff picture and down to their third-string quarterback.
This is a massive opportunity for Denver. A win keeps them in the driver’s seat for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and with the way their defense has been flying around and the offense finding rhythm late in the season, they’re looking like a team no one wants to face in January.
As for Kansas City, this season has been a far cry from the dominant runs of years past. Injuries, inconsistency, and now a depleted quarterback room have left them limping toward the finish line.
But don’t count out pride-especially in a divisional game. The Chiefs would love nothing more than to throw a wrench into Denver’s playoff plans.
Looking Ahead: Saturday’s Matchups
The Christmas action doesn’t end today. The NFL has two more games lined up for Saturday, both with serious playoff implications.
First, the Houston Texans (10-5) take on the Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) in a clash between two AFC contenders. With both teams still in the thick of the postseason race, this one could have major seeding consequences.
Later that evening, the Baltimore Ravens (7-8) face off against the Green Bay Packers (9-5-1). Baltimore is fighting to stay alive in the playoff race, while Green Bay is trying to solidify their position. Expect urgency from both squads as the regular season winds down.
Bottom line: Whether you're tuning in for playoff drama, divisional rivalries, or just some football to go with your holiday festivities, the NFL's Christmas slate has a little something for everyone. Some teams are eyeing January, others are already looking ahead to next year-but every snap still matters.