On Christmas Day, NFL fans are treated to a triple-header that promises drama and holiday cheer.
Overview of the Week 17 Slate
The Week 17 schedule kicks off Thursday with a trio of divisional showdowns that culminate on Christmas. The three games are all played on the same day, offering fans a rare opportunity to see three NFL matchups in one afternoon and evening. Each game features teams that are either eliminated from playoff contention or fighting for a slim playoff spot.
Game 1: Commanders vs. Cowboys
The first game of the day is an NFC East battle in which the Washington Commanders (4-11) host the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1). Both franchises have been eliminated from playoff contention, making this a game focused on draft positioning and fan engagement. The match begins at 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. CT, 10 a.m. PT). Nationally, the game is streamed on Netflix, while local viewers in the Dallas and Washington, D.C., markets can also watch on CBS. The game is also available for streaming on NFL+ on a phone or tablet.
Game 2: Lions vs. Vikings
The second game takes place in Minneapolis, where the Detroit Lions (8-7) face the Minnesota Vikings (7-8). The Lions are fighting to keep their slim playoff chances alive, and they must defeat the J.J. McCarthy-less Vikings to stay in the hunt. This divisional showdown starts at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. CT, 1:30 p.m. PT). Like the first game, it is a national Netflix exclusive, with local CBS coverage in the Detroit and Minneapolis markets. Streaming is also possible on NFL+ via phone or tablet.
Game 3: Broncos vs. Chiefs
The final game of the triple-header is an AFC West matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Denver Broncos (12-3) visit the eliminated Kansas City Chiefs (6-9). The Broncos remain in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, though the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars are close behind. The Chiefs are out of playoff contention, and the Broncos are looking to rebound from their first loss since September. This game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT, 5:15 p.m. PT). Nationally, the game is shown on Amazon Prime Video; locally it airs on ABC in Denver and on NBC affiliate KSHB in Kansas City. Streaming is available on NFL+ on a phone or tablet.
Backup Quarterbacks on Christmas
Three backup quarterbacks will start on Christmas Day. Chris Oladokun of the Broncos will make his first NFL start after Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew suffered season-ending knee injuries in consecutive weeks. Washington’s Josh Johnson and Minnesota’s Max Brosmer will also be the starting quarterbacks for their respective teams.
Broadcast and Streaming Summary
- Commanders vs. Cowboys: Netflix (national), CBS (local), NFL+ (phone/tablet)
- Lions vs. Vikings: Netflix (national), CBS (local), NFL+ (phone/tablet)
- Broncos vs. Chiefs: Amazon Prime Video (national), ABC/KSHB (local), NFL+ (phone/tablet)
Key Takeaways
- Triple-header on Christmas Day features Commanders vs. Cowboys, Lions vs. Vikings, and Broncos vs. Chiefs.
- Washington and Dallas are eliminated; Detroit and Minnesota have playoff hopes; Denver and Kansas City are also out of contention.
- Backup quarterbacks Chris Oladokun, Josh Johnson, and Max Brosmer will start.
The NFL’s holiday schedule delivers a full day of football, giving fans a chance to watch three games across multiple platforms on Christmas Day.
