NFL Christmas Day 2025: High-Stakes Football, Streaming Firsts, and a Whole Lot of Holiday Heat
The NFL is unwrapping a loaded Christmas Day slate in 2025, and it’s more than just a festive sideshow - it’s a full-on playoff push with three divisional matchups that carry real postseason weight. From early afternoon kickoffs to a primetime showdown streaming exclusively on Netflix, December 25 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic days of football this season.
Let’s break down what’s on the schedule, why these games matter, and how you can catch every snap - whether you’re parked on the couch with family or sneaking a peek between holiday festivities.
The Matchups: Three Divisional Clashes, One Packed Day
The NFL isn’t holding back this Christmas. All three games on the slate are divisional matchups - and that means tension, familiarity, and plenty of playoff implications.
- Game 1: Cowboys at Commanders The day kicks off with the Dallas Cowboys heading to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Commanders. Anytime these two NFC East rivals meet, you can expect a physical, high-energy battle.
Dallas brings its usual firepower, but divisional games on the road are never a walk in the park - especially when the Commanders are looking to play spoiler.
- Game 2: Lions at Vikings
In the mid-afternoon window, the Detroit Lions travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings in a game that could make or break Detroit’s playoff hopes. The Lions are still in the hunt, but their path is narrow - they’ll need to win out and hope Green Bay stumbles.
That adds a layer of urgency to this NFC North clash. Every possession will matter, and you can bet Dan Campbell’s crew knows it.
- Game 3: Broncos at Chiefs (Netflix Exclusive) The nightcap is a big one - not just because it’s the marquee game of the day, but because it streams exclusively on Netflix, marking another bold step in the league’s evolving media strategy. The Denver Broncos, the only team of the three to have already punched their playoff ticket, head to Arrowhead to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a primetime AFC West showdown. This one’s got everything: playoff seeding on the line, elite quarterback play, and two defenses that know each other well.
Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Hanging On
Among the six teams playing on Christmas, only the Broncos have officially clinched a playoff berth. That gives them a little breathing room, but don’t expect them to coast - seeding still matters, and momentum heading into January is everything.
The Lions are the only team still mathematically alive but not yet in. For Detroit, it’s win-or-go-home time. They’ll need help from Green Bay, but none of that matters if they can’t take care of business in Minnesota.
As for the Cowboys, Commanders, Vikings, and Chiefs - each has its own playoff context, whether it’s locking up the division, jockeying for wild card spots, or trying to play spoiler. That’s what makes divisional games in Week 17 so compelling - everyone’s got something to fight for.
How to Watch: Traditional TV Meets Streaming Innovation
The NFL is spreading the holiday cheer across multiple platforms this year, giving fans plenty of ways to tune in:
- Early Games (12:30 PM & 4:30 PM ET): These will air on traditional broadcast networks - CBS and FOX - depending on your region. Whether you’ve got cable, an antenna, or access to network apps, you’ll be covered.
- Streaming Options: NFL+ subscribers and team apps will also carry the games, giving fans even more flexibility to watch on the go.
- Primetime Game (8:00 PM ET): Here’s the twist - the night game will stream exclusively on Netflix.
No cable, no antenna, no problem. It’s a major move for the league and a nod to the growing number of fans who watch games outside of traditional TV setups.
Entertainment Meets Football: A Primetime Spectacle
The 8:00 PM game isn’t just about football - it’s a full-blown entertainment event. Halftime will feature performances from Snoop Dogg, Huntr X, and Lainey Wilson, bringing star power to the screen and giving the game a Super Bowl-lite feel.
It’s a savvy move by the NFL and Netflix, blending sports and entertainment to create a can’t-miss holiday nightcap. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in with the family, there’s something for everyone.
Why This Day Matters
Beyond the holiday backdrop and streaming headlines, these games matter - a lot. With playoff berths, seeding, and rivalries all in play, December 25 isn’t just festive football filler. It’s a critical chapter in the 2025 NFL season.
So whether you're watching with a plate of leftovers, a mug of cocoa, or a fantasy championship on the line, this Christmas Day delivers more than just holiday spirit - it brings meaningful, competitive football straight to your living room.
Kickoff Times:
- 12:30 PM ET - Cowboys at Commanders
- 4:30 PM ET - Lions at Vikings
- 8:00 PM ET - Broncos at Chiefs (Netflix exclusive)
Get ready - this Christmas, the NFL is bringing the heat.