In a rare holiday treat, the NFL has scheduled a triple-header on Christmas Day, giving fans a full day of football. The Week 17 slate opens on Thursday with three divisional showdowns that promise drama and drama for the teams still fighting for playoff positioning. The schedule features the Washington Commanders (4-11) against the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1), the Detroit Lions (8-7) versus the Minnesota Vikings (7-8), and the Denver Broncos (12-3) versus the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9). Each matchup carries its own stakes, from draft positioning to slim playoff hopes.
Game 1: Cowboys vs. Commanders
The first clash of the day takes place in the Washington, D.C., market, where the Commanders host the Cowboys. With both teams eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts to draft positioning and fan engagement. The Commanders sit at a 4-11 record, while the Cowboys are 6-8-1. The game begins at 1 p.m. Eastern Time (12 p.m. Central, 10 a.m. Pacific). Nationally, the contest will air on Netflix, offering fans a streaming option that is accessible across the country. Local broadcasters include CBS in the Dallas and Washington, D.C., markets, providing traditional TV coverage for regional audiences. Fans can also stream the game via NFL+, but only on a phone or tablet.
Game 2: Lions vs. Vikings
The second game of the day moves to Minneapolis, where the Lions (8-7) aim to keep their slim playoff chances alive. Their opponent, the Vikings (7-8), are without quarterback J.J. McCarthy, adding a layer of uncertainty to the matchup. The Lions must defeat the Vikings to remain in the playoff hunt, making the stakes high for both teams. The game starts at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (3:30 p.m. Central, 1:30 p.m. Pacific). Like the first game, the Lions-Vikings contest is a national Netflix exclusive, ensuring wide availability for fans across the United States. CBS will also broadcast the game locally in Detroit and Minneapolis. NFL+ streaming is available on phone or tablet only.
Game 3: Broncos vs. Chiefs
The day’s finale takes place at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Broncos (12-3) host the Chiefs (6-9). The Broncos are still in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars are close behind. The Chiefs, having suffered their first loss since September, look to rebound and prove their resilience. Quarterback Chris Oladokun is set to make his first NFL start, following season-ending knee injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew in consecutive weeks. Oladokun joins two other backups, Washington’s Josh Johnson and Minnesota’s Max Brosmer, as the starters on Christmas Day.
The game begins at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time (7:15 p.m. Central, 5:15 p.m. Pacific). Nationally, the Broncos-Chiefs matchup will air on Amazon Prime Video, offering a streaming platform for viewers. In Denver, the game will also be broadcast locally on ABC, while Kansas City’s NBC affiliate KSHB will carry the game for the Chiefs’ fan base. As with the other two games, NFL+ streaming is limited to phone or tablet devices.
Broadcast and Streaming Overview
All three games are available through a mix of streaming services and traditional television. Netflix provides exclusive national coverage for both the Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings games, ensuring that fans who prefer streaming can watch the action without cable. Amazon Prime Video offers the Broncos-Chiefs game, giving a different streaming option for viewers in the AFC West. Traditional broadcasters CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliate KSHB also carry the games locally, catering to fans who prefer over-the-air television. NFL+ offers a phone or tablet-only streaming option for all three games, allowing fans to follow the action on mobile devices.
Key Takeaways
- The NFL’s Christmas Day triple-header features the Commanders vs. Cowboys, Lions vs. Vikings, and Broncos vs. Chiefs.
- The Broncos’ Chris Oladokun makes his first NFL start after injuries to Mahomes and Minshew.
- Games are streamed nationally on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, with local broadcasts on CBS, ABC, and KSHB.
Closing
With a full day of football, the NFL has given fans a unique holiday experience. Whether watching on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or a local broadcast, fans can enjoy three high-stakes games that highlight the drama of the final week of the regular season. From draft positioning to playoff hopes and first-time starters, Christmas Day promises to be a memorable day for football enthusiasts across the country.
