The NFL is making Christmas Day a must-watch tradition, and the 2026 slate is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. For years, football on December 25 was a rare treat, but since 2021, the league has turned it into a full-blown holiday spectacle. This year, fans get a tripleheader of marquee matchups, all with major playoff implications and historic rivalries.
Kicking things off at 1 p.m. ET on Netflix, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers renew their legendary rivalry at Soldier Field. These two NFC North powerhouses are dead even on Christmas Day—each with one win in their holiday history (Bears in 2005, Packers in 2011). With both teams expected to be in the thick of the playoff race, this early-window game could set the tone for the entire postseason picture. Last season's Week 14 and Week 16 clashes between these squads had a huge impact on the division, so expect another hard-hitting, high-stakes battle under the guidance of head coaches Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur.
The afternoon window brings the Buffalo Bills against the Denver Broncos, a matchup that pits two of the AFC's most dynamic offenses against each other. While details are still emerging, this game promises to be a showcase of elite quarterback play and defensive adjustments—perfect for a holiday audience looking for fireworks.
Closing out the night, the Los Angeles Rams host the Seattle Seahawks in a classic NFC West showdown. This division rivalry always delivers drama, and with both teams eyeing a deep playoff run, the primetime slot on Fox is the ideal stage. Expect a physical, emotional contest as these two franchises battle for supremacy in one of the NFL's toughest divisions.
But the football fun doesn't stop on Christmas Day. The week also features a special "Thursday Night Football" doubleheader on Amazon Prime. On Christmas Eve, the Houston Texans travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles at 8:15 p.m. ET, and on New Year's Eve, the Cincinnati Bengals host the Baltimore Ravens at the same time. That means you can gear up for a full week of gridiron action, from the opening kickoff on Christmas morning to the final whistle on New Year's Eve.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for something to watch between holiday meals, the 2026 Christmas NFL slate has something for everyone. Grab your favorite team's gear, settle in, and enjoy the tradition that keeps getting better every year.