Who Is Playing NFL Football on Christmas Day 2025?

By Sarah Miller · July 26, 2053

The NFL games on Christmas Day 2025 will feature the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers facing the Denver Broncos. Both matchups are part of a special tripleheader, with the third game being the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans, all airing on December 25, 2025.

Christmas Day NFL Schedule 2025

The National Football League continues its tradition of holiday football with a full slate of games on Christmas Day 2025. Fans can expect three nationally televised matchups featuring playoff-contending teams, ensuring high-stakes action during the final week of the regular season.

Confirmed Matchups and Broadcast Details

This year's Christmas Day lineup includes marquee AFC contests, emphasizing divisional rivalries and postseason implications. All games are scheduled for Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – 1:00 PM ET, CBS/Paramount+
Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans – 4:30 PM ET, FOX/NFL Network/Amazon Prime Video
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos – 8:15 PM ET, NBC/Peacock

Why the NFL Schedules Games on Christmas

The NFL has increasingly embraced holiday scheduling as a way to maximize viewership and capitalize on family gatherings. Christmas Day often falls within Week 16 or Week 17, making it a pivotal point in the playoff race.

Benefits of Holiday Games

Increased TV ratings: Families gather and tune in, boosting national viewership.
Playoff implications: Late-season games carry added weight, enhancing competitiveness.
Global exposure: International audiences engage with marquee matchups on a major holiday.

Historical Context of NFL Christmas Games

While not an annual tradition until recently, the NFL has played games on December 25 more frequently over the past decade. The league began scheduling Christmas Day games regularly starting in 2020, recognizing the commercial and entertainment value.

Notable Past Christmas Matchups

2022: Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers (Dolphins won 22–20)
2021: Indianapolis Colts vs. Arizona Cardinals (Cardinals won 23–16)
2020: New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings (Saints won 52–33)

Year	Date	Matchup	Winner	Score	Viewers (Millions)
2022	Dec 25	MIA vs GB	MIA	22–20	10.9
2021	Dec 25	IND vs ARI	ARI	23–16	9.4
2020	Dec 25	NO vs MIN	NO	52–33	11.2
2018	Dec 25	CHI vs OAK	CHI	15–14	8.7
2017	Dec 25	GB vs BAL	BAL	31–27	10.1

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that Christmas Day NFL games consistently draw strong viewership, with an average of over 10 million viewers in recent years. High-scoring and close finishes, such as the Saints' 52-point performance in 2020, contribute to fan engagement and media interest.

How Teams Prepare for Holiday Games

Playing on Christmas presents unique challenges for players and staff, including disrupted travel schedules and time away from family. Teams often adjust their weekly routines to accommodate the holiday.

Key Adjustments Include:

Early-week travel to minimize disruption
Special meals and events for players and families
Modified practice schedules to maintain energy and focus

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Day NFL Games

Who is playing NFL football on Christmas Day 2025?

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos are scheduled to play on Christmas Day 2025.

What time are the NFL games on Christmas Day 2025?

The games start at 1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, and 8:15 PM ET, providing a full day of football coverage across major networks.

How can I watch the Christmas Day NFL games?

All games will be broadcast on national television (CBS, FOX, NBC) and streamed via Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock.

Has the NFL always played games on Christmas?

No, the NFL only began regularly scheduling games on Christmas Day starting in 2020, though occasional games were played on December 25 in earlier decades.