December 23, 2025 – The NFL continues its holiday tradition with a triple-header on Christmas Day, delivering three intriguing matchups despite some unexpected twists in team performances. Streaming exclusively on Netflix and Prime Video, these games offer football fans a festive afternoon and evening of action amid divisional rivalries and playoff implications.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to the NFL Christmas Day schedule 2025, including start times (all Eastern), how to watch, and in-depth previews of each game.
1:00 p.m. ET: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (Streaming on Netflix)
America’s Team heads to the nation’s capital for an NFC East clash. The Cowboys (6-8-1) have been officially eliminated from playoff contention after a disappointing season, but their massive fanbase ensures this game will draw huge viewership regardless.
Washington (4-11) has struggled even more, with injuries derailing what was hoped to be a breakout year for rookie QB Jayden Daniels. Expect a low-stakes but competitive divisional battle, with pride on the line for two historic rivals.
4:30 p.m. ET: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (Streaming on Netflix)
An NFC North showdown with potential playoff ramifications. The Detroit Lions enter desperately needing a victory to keep their slim postseason hopes alive after a heartbreaking last-play loss in Week 16.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings sit at the bottom of the division, as the transition to young QB JJ McCarthy has proven challenging. A Lions loss could drop them into last place, turning what was billed as a contender matchup into a must-win survival game for Detroit.
8:15 p.m. ET: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (Streaming on Prime Video)
The primetime finale features a heated AFC West rivalry – but with a drastically different outlook than the NFL anticipated when scheduling it. The Denver Broncos, led by second-year QB Bo Nix’s impressive growth, remain in strong playoff position despite a recent loss to Jacksonville. They’ll look to bounce back against a bitter division foe.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, disaster has struck at quarterback. Starter Patrick Mahomes is out for the season with a torn ACL, and backup Gardner Minshew is also expected to miss time with injury concerns. This could force third-stringer Chris Oladokun under center against Denver’s stout defense – a far cry from the high-powered showdown fans expected.
All games are available via their respective streaming platforms, with no traditional broadcast TV options. Whether you’re tuning in for rivalries, emerging talents like Bo Nix, or the drama surrounding Kansas City’s QB crisis, Christmas Day NFL action promises plenty of storylines.
