by Forget the sugar plums—today is all about the pigskin! If you are looking for football games today, you’ve hit the jackpot with a rare Thursday Christmas tripleheader. The NFL has officially hijacked the holiday, moving away from traditional cable to a streaming-heavy schedule that promises high-octane drama, playoff implications, and even a halftime show featuring Snoop Dogg.
The NFL Christmas Tripleheader Schedule
The league isn’t holding back for the holidays, spreading three massive divisional rivalries across the afternoon and evening. Whether you are unwrapping gifts or finishing off the turkey, there are plenty of football games today to keep your adrenaline pumping. From the NFC East to a primetime AFC West showdown, the gridiron is the place to be this December 25th.
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Channel / Platform |
| Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders | 1:00 PM | Netflix |
| Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings | 4:30 PM | Netflix |
| Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 8:15 PM | Amazon Prime Video |
How to Watch: The Streaming Era is Here
The biggest shift for football games today is where you’ll find them. Unlike previous years where you could just flip to CBS or FOX, today’s first two matchups are exclusive to Netflix. This marks a historic move for the streaming giant as it dives headfirst into live sports. If you want to catch the Cowboys or the Lions, make sure your Netflix subscription is active and your Wi-Fi is ready for the surge.
1:00 PM ET – Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
Kicking off the slate of football games today is a classic NFC East grudge match. While both teams have struggled this season and are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, don’t expect them to play nice. Pride is on the line at Northwest Stadium. Plus, pop icon Kelly Clarkson is set to open the broadcast with a festive performance of “Underneath the Tree” to get the holiday vibes started.
4:30 PM ET – Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The intensity ramps up in the mid-afternoon slot for football games today as the Detroit Lions fight to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They face a Minnesota Vikings squad that would love nothing more than to play spoiler. This game isn’t just about the score; it’s a full-blown spectacle. Snoop Dogg is headlining a massive “Holiday Halftime Party,” ensuring that even the non-football fans in your house stay glued to the screen.
8:15 PM ET – Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs
To wrap up the list of football games today, we head to Arrowhead Stadium for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video. The Denver Broncos enter as the heavy favorites, sitting atop the AFC and looking to clinch a top seed. Meanwhile, the injury-riddled Chiefs are playing without Patrick Mahomes for the first time on Christmas in a decade. It’s a “must-watch” for anyone tracking the AFC playoff bracket.
What About College Football?
If you were hoping for a bowl game to supplement your NFL viewing, you’ll have to wait just a bit longer. There are no college football games today, as the NCAA traditionally takes a one-day hiatus to let the NFL own the Christmas spotlight. However, the action resumes tomorrow, December 26th, with a full slate of bowl games on ESPN starting at 1:00 PM ET.
Pro Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
To make the most of the football games today, ensure your streaming apps are updated on your Smart TV or Roku device. Since these games are on Netflix and Prime Video, you won’t find them on standard “rabbit ear” antennas unless you live in the local markets of the playing teams. Grab your snacks, settle into the couch, and enjoy the ultimate gift of holiday football!
