NFL Christmas Day Games Overview
The NFL schedules games on Christmas Day when the holiday falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with the league typically using a tripleheader format. The Christmas Day slate usually features one game in the early afternoon, one in the late afternoon, and one in the primetime window, rotating among AFC and NFC matchups. The exact teams are determined by the NFL's scheduling formula, which balances divisional play, conference equity, and broadcast appeal. For the latest confirmed Christmas Day matchups, check the official NFL schedule page.
Historically, Christmas Day games have featured marquee teams and competitive storylines, with the league prioritizing games that maximize national viewership and advertiser interest. The Christmas Day window has become a consistent part of the NFL regular season, similar to Thanksgiving Day, and often includes teams with playoff implications or high-profile rivalries. The schedule is finalized after the regular-season standings are set, with the league announcing the Christmas Day assignments several weeks in advance.
How Christmas Day NFL Matchups Are Selected
The NFL uses a flexible scheduling process that considers team records, divisional rotation, and broadcast partner preferences to choose Christmas Day opponents. The league prioritizes games that feature teams with meaningful stakes, such as playoff positioning or rivalry history, while ensuring each conference is represented fairly across the holiday window. The final Christmas Day schedule is announced by the NFL and its broadcast partners, with changes possible if a team's playoff chances shift late in the season.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Christmas Day NFL games are distributed across major broadcast and cable networks, with streaming options available through the league's official platforms and authenticated TV provider apps. The early game often airs on one network, the late afternoon game on another, and the primetime contest on a premium sports channel, giving viewers multiple ways to watch the Christmas Day slate.
Where to Watch NFL Christmas Day Games
Most Christmas Day NFL games are available on national television networks that hold NFL broadcast rights, with streaming options tied to those networks' apps and authenticated live-TV services. The NFL also provides an official streaming option through its platform, which may require a subscription or TV provider login depending on your location.
Viewers can find the Christmas Day broadcast plan on the NFL's official website and through the league's broadcast partners, with detailed start times, team information, and streaming links updated as the schedule is finalized. The Christmas Day window typically features a mix of AFC and NFC teams, with the league aiming to showcase competitive matchups that drive the highest national ratings and advertiser interest.