Are There Nfl Games On Christmas Day?
Contents
It’s a question that many NFL fans ask every year around the holidays – are there NFL games on Christmas Day? The answer may surprise you.
Introduction
The National Football League (NFL) is the highest level of professional American football. It was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before renaming itself the National Football League for the 1922 season. The NFL agreed to merge with the American Football League (AFL) in 1966, and the first Super Bowl was held at the end of that season; the merger was completed in 1970. Today, the NFL has the highest average attendance (67,591) of any professional sports league in the world and is the most popular sports league in the United States. The Super Bowl is among the biggest club sporting events in the world and individual Super Bowl games account for many of the most watched television programs in American history, all occupying some of the later timeslots in prime time history.
What NFL Games Are There on Christmas Day?
There are usually no NFL games on Christmas Day. However, there have been a few games played on December 25th in the past. The most recent one was in 2016, when the Baltimore Ravens played the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, if you’re looking for some football on Christmas Day, you might be out of luck.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The NFL has not had a game on Christmas Day since 1971, when the Miami Dolphins beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24. There have been four games played on December 25 in NFL history, two of which were in 1971. The other two games were played in 1948 and 1949. In 1948, the Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Cardinals 19-16. In 1949, the New York Giants beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-17.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Houston Texans will take on the Indianapolis Colts on Christmas Day. This will be a rematch of their Week 14 matchup, which the Texans won by a score of 22-17. The Texans will be looking to keep their winning streak alive, while the Colts will be hoping to get revenge.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Baltimore Ravens are set to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day at 1 p.m. EST. This will be the first time these two teams have met on Christmas Day, and it promises to be a great game. The Ravens are currently in first place in the AFC North with a 10-3 record, while the Steelers are in second place with a 9-4 record. This game will be a crucial one for both teams, as they battle for divisional supremacy.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
The NFL has not forgotten about its fans on Christmas Day. The league will feature two games on Saturday, highlighted by a showdown between the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams (11-3) can clinch their second consecutive division title with a victory over their rivals, while the 49ers (11-3) can take control of the NFC West with a win and some help from other teams.
In the other game on Christmas Day, the Dallas Cowboys will host the Minnesota Vikings in a crucial matchup for both teams’ playoff hopes. The Cowboys (6-7) need a win to stay alive in the NFC East race, while the Vikings (10-4) can clinch a playoff berth with a victory.
How to Watch the Games on Christmas Day
The National Football League (NFL) will have three games on Christmas Day this year.
NFL Game Pass
If you want to watch the NFL games on Christmas Day, you’ll need to sign up for NFL Game Pass. With NFL Game Pass, you can watch all of the games that are being played on Christmas Day, as well as any other games that are being played during the NFL season. NFL Game Pass costs $99.99 per year, and you can sign up for it by going to the NFL website.
Sling TV
Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, which means there are plenty of NFL games to choose from. So how can you watch them all? Sling TV has you covered with NFL RedZone, NFL Network and FOX.*
To get started, just download the free Sling TV app from the App Store or Google Play. Then sign up for the Sling Blue service, which costs $25 per month. If you want NFL RedZone, you can add that on for an additional $10 per month.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll be able to watch NFL RedZone and NFL Network on your phone, tablet or streaming device. And if you’re looking for a specific game on FOX, just go to the channel’s website or app and sign in with your Sling TV credentials.
*Note: FOX is not available in all markets.
FuboTV
FuboTV is a great option for cord-cutters who want to watch NFL games on Christmas Day. The streaming service offers a free 7-day trial, so you can test it out before you commit to anything.
Once you sign up, you’ll be able to watch games on your computer, phone, or streaming device. You can also record games and watch them later with the DVR feature. And if you miss a game, you can always watch it on demand.
FuboTV is available in most areas of the United States. However, there are some blackout restrictions in certain markets. So be sure to check your local listings before you sign up.
Conclusion
While most NFL teams do not play on Christmas Day, there have been a few games played on this holiday throughout the years. In 2016, for example, the Baltimore Ravens took on the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 25. So, while it is not a common occurrence, it is possible for NFL games to be played on Christmas Day.