NFL Christmas Day 2025: Three Divisional Showdowns, One Streaming First, and Plenty of Playoff Drama
The NFL is giving fans a full plate of football this Christmas, and it’s not just a side dish-it’s the main course. With three divisional matchups on tap, playoff implications hanging in the balance, and a primetime game streaming exclusively on Netflix, December 25 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling days of the 2025 NFL season.
Let’s break down what’s coming, what’s at stake, and why this holiday slate is more than just background noise during your family dinner.
The Matchups: Rivalries, Stakes, and Storylines
Game 1: Cowboys at Commanders (12:30 PM ET)
The day kicks off with a classic NFC East clash as the Dallas Cowboys hit the road to face the Washington Commanders.
These two teams know each other well, and while the standings might not tell the full story, this is a rivalry that rarely disappoints. Expect intensity, physicality, and the kind of unpredictable moments that tend to define divisional games late in the season.
Game 2: Lions at Vikings (4:30 PM ET)
Next up, the Detroit Lions head to Minnesota in a game that could make or break their playoff hopes.
Detroit’s path to the postseason is narrow-they need to win out and get some help from Green Bay-but they’re still in the fight. For the Vikings, this is about playing spoiler and defending their turf.
The NFC North tension here is real, and with both teams boasting dynamic offenses, this one has shootout potential.
Game 3: Broncos at Chiefs (8:00 PM ET, Netflix Exclusive)
The nightcap is a big one-both on the field and off.
The Denver Broncos, the only team in this trio to have officially clinched a playoff spot, head into Arrowhead to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a primetime showdown. It’s the kind of late-season matchup that could influence seeding, momentum, and confidence heading into January.
And here’s the twist: this game won’t be on your usual cable lineup. It’s streaming exclusively on Netflix, marking a major moment in the NFL’s evolving media landscape.
How to Watch: Broadcast, Streaming, and a Netflix First
Fans have more ways than ever to tune in this Christmas:
- CBS and FOX will handle the early and mid-afternoon games. Whether you’re watching via cable or free over-the-air broadcast, these games will be widely accessible.
- NFL+ and team apps offer streaming access for those on the go or watching from mobile devices.
- Netflix takes center stage for the 8:00 PM ET game, a first-of-its-kind move that brings the NFL into living rooms through one of the world’s most popular streaming platforms.
No cable? No problem.
Entertainment Meets Football: Primetime Halftime Show
The Netflix game isn’t just about football-it’s also bringing a little holiday flair. The halftime show will feature performances by Snoop Dogg, Huntr X, and Lainey Wilson. It’s a mix of star power and style that adds another layer to the league’s push to make this game a true event.
What’s at Stake: Playoffs on the Line
Only one of the six teams playing-Denver-has officially punched its ticket to the postseason. But don’t let that fool you into thinking the other games are just for show.
The Lions are still alive, and their margin for error is razor-thin. A loss ends their season.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys, Commanders, Vikings, and Chiefs all have reasons to come out swinging-whether it’s solidifying seeding, playing spoiler, or building momentum before the playoffs begin.
Christmas Day 2025 NFL Schedule at a Glance
- 12:30 PM ET - Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (CBS)
- 4:30 PM ET - Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (FOX)
- 8:00 PM ET - Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (Netflix Exclusive)
Final Word
Three games. Three rivalries.
One day. Whether you’re in it for the playoff stakes, the entertainment, or just the tradition of Christmas football, this year’s NFL holiday slate has something for everyone.
And with the league continuing to experiment with how and where fans watch, the Netflix primetime game could be a glimpse into the future of football broadcasting.
So grab a plate, find your favorite spot on the couch, and get ready-because the NFL is bringing the heat this Christmas.