The holiday season brings family, food, and festive traditions. Yet for millions of fans, one of the most exciting questions every December is: who plays football on christmas day? The NFL has increasingly scheduled regular-season games on December 25th. This creates a new kind of holiday tradition centered around live sports.

Instead of just carols and cookies, fans now gather around screens to watch top teams battle on Christmas. The matchups feature star quarterbacks, strong defenses, and high stakes. Because these games often impact playoff races, the energy feels intense. Networks promote them heavily. Social media buzz builds for weeks. As a result, the answer to “who plays football on christmas day” becomes a hot topic. Year after year, more people tune in to find out.

Why the NFL Schedules Games on Christmas

Growing Fan Demand for Holiday Entertainment

One major reason who plays football on christmas day matters so much is increasing fan interest. People want more than reruns or movies during the holidays.

Live sports offer excitement and real-time drama. Families bond over shared cheering. Friends debate strategies and make predictions. The energy stays high from kickoff to final whistle.

Holiday games fill a gap in entertainment. Most other leagues take breaks. The NBA plays on Christmas, but the NFL draws even larger audiences.

Streaming services support this shift. Fans watch on phones, tablets, or smart TVs. No need to leave home. They enjoy the game while staying cozy.

Social media amplifies the moment. Reaction videos, memes, and live polls trend instantly. A player spiking the ball into a snowbank becomes a viral clip in minutes.

Because of this demand, the NFL sees value in scheduling games on December 25th. It keeps fans engaged during a quiet sports week.

The answer to who plays football on christmas day now sparks national conversation.

Strategic Benefits for Teams and Broadcasters

Another reason the NFL schedules games on this day is exposure. With fewer competing events, who plays football on christmas day becomes a prime-time spotlight.

Networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video bid heavily for broadcast rights. These games draw millions of viewers. Advertisers pay top dollar for slots.

Teams benefit too. A win on Christmas can boost morale and momentum. It strengthens playoff chances. A standout performance gains national attention.

Players use the moment to shine. Young stars prove themselves. Veterans show leadership under pressure. Scouts and analysts take close notes.

Merchandise sales often spike after big games. Jerseys, hats, and collectibles sell fast. Retailers track trends closely.

Sponsors gain visibility. Brands tie ads to holiday themes. Their messages reach emotional, engaged audiences.

By choosing the right teams, the NFL ensures maximum impact. The answer to who plays football on christmas day affects ratings, revenue, and legacy.

How the NFL Chooses Who Plays on Christmas Day

Team Performance and Playoff Implications

When deciding who plays football on christmas day, the NFL looks at standings. Teams in tight playoff races often get selected.

A close division battle adds drama. Imagine two rivals fighting for the final wild card spot. The winner takes a major step forward.

Strong records also matter. Contenders with 10+ wins bring excitement. They play hard to secure home-field advantage.

Coaches appreciate the challenge. Winning on Christmas builds team unity. Losing creates urgency for the final stretch.

The league avoids meaningless matchups. Games must feel important. Fans won’t tune in if the stakes are low.

Injuries and rest schedules are considered too. The NFL won’t force a star player to miss family time unless the game truly matters.

By focusing on competitive balance, the league ensures who plays football on christmas day remains a meaningful decision.

Geographic and Fan Base Considerations

Another factor in determining who plays football on christmas day is location. The NFL wants to include teams with large, passionate followings.

Markets like Dallas, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles draw big ratings. Their fans travel well and engage online.

Cold-weather cities may face scheduling challenges. Outdoor stadiums deal with snow, ice, or wind. The league sometimes favors dome teams or southern locations.

Travel logistics matter too. Long flights can tire players. The NFL tries to minimize cross-country trips on holidays.

International fans are also considered. Games aired in prime U.S. time also reach Europe and Asia. Global growth depends on accessible timing.

Time zones affect viewing habits. West Coast games start later. East Coast fans may need to stay up late.

Fan engagement drives decisions. Teams with active social media followings often get featured. Their supporters create buzz.

By balancing all these elements, the NFL picks teams that make who plays football on christmas day a must-watch event.

Recent Examples of Teams That Played on Christmas Day

2022 Matchup: Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Rams

One recent example of who plays football on christmas day was the 2022 game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams.

It took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Rams hosted the game in their home dome.

Weather played a role. While Denver faced snow, Los Angeles offered mild conditions. This helped ensure a smooth game.

The Rams wore special red and gold accents on their uniforms. Holiday-themed sideline gear added festive flair.

Fans filled the stadium despite the holiday. Many brought gifts to donate. The team partnered with local charities.

The game ended with a Broncos victory. A late interception sealed the win. Social media lit up with reactions.

Players shared emotional post-game interviews. Some missed Christmas dinner with family. Others appreciated the honor of playing.

This matchup showed how who plays football on christmas day can deliver both excitement and meaning.

2023 Games: Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

In 2023, the NFL expanded holiday action. Two games answered the question: who plays football on christmas day?

The first featured the Miami Dolphins visiting the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Cold weather added drama. Snow covered the field. Players slipped, but the game went on.

The Dolphins pulled off an upset. Their young quarterback shined under pressure. Fans called it one of the season’s best games.

The second contest matched the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos. It aired in prime time.

Patrick Mahomes led a last-minute drive. A field goal as time expired gave the Chiefs the win. The moment went viral.

Both games drew massive ratings. Streaming platforms reported record viewership.

These matchups proved who plays football on christmas day can deliver high-stakes drama. They impacted playoff races and created lasting memories.

How Fans React to Who Plays Football on Christmas Day

Hosting Watch Parties and Family Traditions

Once fans learn who plays football on christmas day, they start planning. Many host game-day parties at home.

They decorate with team colors and holiday lights. Tables overflow with snacks. Wings, dips, and themed cupcakes keep guests full.

Big screens dominate living rooms. Multiple TVs show pre-game analysis, live action, and social media feeds.

Kids play backyard flag football. They mimic their heroes’ moves. Parents cheer from porches.

Drinks include hot cocoa and eggnog—with adult versions for older fans. Team-colored cocktails add fun.

Some homes run betting pools. Guests guess final scores or top performers. Winners get small prizes like mini footballs or gift cards.

Games pause for dinner, then resume with renewed energy. Dessert comes with post-game reactions.

By blending traditions, families create new memories. The answer to who plays football on christmas day becomes part of their holiday ritual.

Engaging Online and Through Social Media

Digital interaction enhances the who plays football on christmas day experience. Fans don’t watch alone—they connect globally.

Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok explode with content. Reaction videos, memes, and live polls trend instantly.

Fantasy football players check updates constantly. A last-minute touchdown changes standings. Leagues announce winners by midnight.

Discord servers and Reddit threads buzz with real-time chat. Supporters argue calls, celebrate plays, and share inside jokes.

Influencers host virtual watch parties. They stream gameplay with commentary. Followers join via link.

Clips spread fast. A player spiking the ball into a snowbank gets remixed into songs. Animations appear within hours.

Brands jump in too. Snack companies post playful tweets. Apparel stores launch limited drops.

This online energy makes who plays football on christmas day feel bigger than any single game. It turns viewers into participants.

Where to Find Out Who Plays Football on Christmas Day

Official NFL Schedule and Announcements

The best way to know who plays football on christmas day is the official NFL website. The league releases the full schedule each spring.

By April, fans can see all matchups. Christmas games are usually confirmed early. They appear in bold or with holiday icons.

The NFL app sends push notifications. Subscribers get alerts when schedules drop. Weekly reminders keep fans updated.

Team websites and social media also share details. Coaches and players comment during press conferences.

Local news stations cover the announcement. Radio shows debate the fairness and excitement of each matchup.

Printed media like newspapers and magazines publish previews. Some include player stats and prediction charts.

By checking multiple sources, fans stay informed. The answer to who plays football on christmas day becomes clear months in advance.

Sports News Outlets and Fan Forums

In addition to official channels, fans turn to sports media. Websites like ESPN, Bleacher Report, and NFL Network provide early leaks and analysis.

Reporters often predict who plays football on christmas day based on trends. Teams with strong records or big followings are likely picks.

Podcasts discuss potential matchups. Analysts break down playoff implications. Listeners gain deeper insight.

Fan forums like Reddit’s r/NFL buzz with speculation. Users post mock schedules. Others share insider tips from beat writers.

YouTube channels create countdown videos. They rank past Christmas games and preview upcoming ones.

Social media polls let fans vote for their dream matchups. The NFL sometimes responds to feedback.

These platforms help fans feel involved. The search for who plays football on christmas day becomes part of the fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every team play on who plays football on christmas day?
No. Only select teams are chosen. The NFL limits games to maintain fairness and rest.Are Christmas games always in prime time?
Most are, but some start in the afternoon. The league schedules based on time zones and broadcast needs.

Can I watch outside the U.S.?
Yes. NFL Game Pass and DAZN offer international streaming. Availability varies by country.

How far in advance is the schedule released?
Usually by April. Full details come in summer. Christmas games are confirmed early.

Do players get extra pay for holiday games?
No set bonus exists. However, exposure can lead to endorsements and contract value.

Are there special uniforms?
Sometimes. Teams may add festive colors or logos. Limited-edition gear often follows.

Is attendance open to fans?
Yes. Tickets go on sale months ahead. Prices vary based on matchup and demand.

Can kids enjoy who plays football on christmas day?
Absolutely. Families watch together. Many find joy in the excitement and unity.

Final Thoughts

The question who plays football on christmas day has become a central part of the holiday season. It blends sports, family, and tradition in a unique way.

From dramatic finishes to heartfelt moments, these games create lasting memories. Fans gather, players perform, and history unfolds. Year after year, its popularity grows.

Whether you’re cheering from the couch or posting reactions online, who plays football on christmas day connects people through sport and celebration. Consider making it part of your holiday routine. You might just start a new family custom.