On Christmas Day, NFL fans will be treated to a triple-header of divisional matchups, including a first-time start for Broncos quarterback Chris Oladokun.
Game Lineup
The Week 17 slate begins on Thursday with three games that feature teams already eliminated from playoff contention. The first clash takes place in the NFC East as the Washington Commanders (4-11) host the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1). Both franchises are now focused on draft positioning rather than postseason play.
The second game moves to Minneapolis, where the Detroit Lions (8-7) face the Minnesota Vikings (7-8). A victory over the J.J. McCarthy-less Vikings is required for the Lions to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
The final matchup is set at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Denver Broncos (12-3) visit the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9). The Broncos are still in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 AFC seed, while the Chiefs have been eliminated.
Key Storylines
The Commanders-Cowboys game is a pure divisional showdown that will likely determine the final draft order for both teams. The Lions-Vikings contest is a do-or-die scenario for Detroit’s playoff aspirations.
The Broncos-Chiefs game carries extra weight because it is the first time the Broncos will face the Chiefs in 2025, and it is also the first game after the Broncos’ two starting quarterbacks suffered season-ending injuries in consecutive weeks.
Quarterback Debut
Quarterback Chris Oladokun is set to make his first NFL start in Denver after Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew both suffered season-ending knee injuries. Oladokun is one of three backups receiving a start on Christmas, along with Washington’s Josh Johnson and Minnesota’s Max Brosmer.
Broadcast and Streaming Options
The Cowboys-Commanders game will be shown nationally on Netflix, with local CBS broadcasts available in the Dallas and Washington, D.C., markets. The game can also be streamed via NFL+ on a phone or tablet.
The Lions-Vikings game is a national Netflix exclusive, and it will also air on CBS in the Detroit and Minneapolis markets. NFL+ streaming is available on a phone or tablet.
The Broncos-Chiefs game will be broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime Video, with local coverage on ABC in Denver and on NBC affiliate KSHB in Kansas City. NFL+ streaming is again limited to a phone or tablet.
Key Takeaways
- Commanders host Cowboys at 1 p.m. ET, with a Netflix national broadcast.
- Lions face Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET, also on Netflix.
- Broncos visit Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET, streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Final Thoughts
With three divisional battles and a debut from a rookie quarterback, Christmas Day will deliver plenty of drama for NFL fans. Whether you’re watching on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or via NFL+, the day’s action is set to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
