NFL Christmas Day Games 2025: The NFL is taking over Christmas Day in 2025 and unlike last year, when only two games took place, this time the holiday falls on a Thursday, so the NFL decided to drop a full three-game slate right in the middle of the playoff race. The league is treating the day like a special event, and football slides into the holiday spot that usually belongs to the NBA.
This Christmas does not feel like a simple break in the season. Several teams enter the week with real pressure on their shoulders. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys might be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Detroit Lions and the Denver Broncos look ready to show everyone that they belong in the group of serious contenders.
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Games Schedule
NFL CHRISTMAS GAMEDAY IS BACK 🎄
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders at 1 PM ET
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 PM ET
LIVE on Netflix December 25 pic.twitter.com/JWjegVC70o
— Netflix (@netflix) November 18, 2025
The Christmas schedule also starts Week 17 of the season, which only adds more weight to every snap.
The first game of the day begins at 1 p.m. ET on Netflix as the Dallas Cowboys travel to play the Washington Commanders. Dallas leans on Dak Prescott again this season, and he continues to play at a very high level. His strong throws and steady control of the offense keep the Cowboys in the fight each week.
Later in the afternoon the Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions at 4:30 p.m. ET, also on Netflix. Detroit stays confident behind the quick and powerful play of running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and people keep talking about how “he has the ability to break a play open every time he touches the ball.” Minnesota keeps its eyes on J. J. McCarthy as he works to prove he can stay steady as a full-time starter.
The holiday ends with a night clash that feels like a movie. The Denver Broncos head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs, and both sides want to control the AFC West. Denver already took down the Chiefs once this season so the rematch brings even more excitement.
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People have too wait until Sunday, December 28, when the rest of Week 17 continues, followed by the Monday game.
Full Schedules And Kickoff Times For NFL Holiday Games
Here’s the complete Christmas Day lineup with official Eastern Time kickoffs:
- Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders – 1:00 PM ET
Streaming: Netflix - Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – 4:30 PM ET
Streaming: Netflix - Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – 8:15 PM ET
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
