2025 Christmas Day NFL Games: Complete Streaming Guide

Christmas Day football has become as much a tradition as eggnog and holiday cookies. There's something special about settling in with your family, the turkey already eaten, and watching elite athletes battle it out on the field while snow might be falling outside. December 25, 2025, is shaping up to be exactly that kind of day, and if you're planning your holiday watching strategy, you're in the right place.

This year, the NFL is doubling down on streaming exclusivity. Netflix is back with two marquee games, and Amazon Prime Video is handling the primetime slot. That means if you want to catch all three Christmas Day matchups without flipping between cable channels, you'll need to understand which streaming services are carrying what. More importantly, you need to know the start times, the matchups themselves, and honestly, what makes each game worth your attention.

Beyond the Christmas Day trio, Week 17 is packed with implications. Teams are fighting for playoff positioning. Some are mathematically eliminated but playing for draft position and coaching jobs. The Steelers-Browns showdown has rivalry heat. The 49ers-Bears primetime game could determine NFC playoff seeding. This isn't just regular season filler. These games matter, and many of them have streaming components that aren't always obvious.

Here's what you need to know about watching football this Christmas, the full Week 17 schedule across all platforms, and how to navigate the increasingly complex streaming landscape without going broke or missing a single moment of action.

TL; DR

• Three games on Christmas Day: Cowboys vs. Commanders at 1 p.m. ET (Netflix), Lions vs. Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET (Netflix), and Broncos vs. Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime Video)
• Netflix is streaming: Two Christmas games for free with an active subscription, marking the second consecutive year of Christmas Day NFL exclusivity
• Amazon Prime Video handles primetime: The Broncos-Chiefs game airs exclusively on Prime Video, requiring either a Prime subscription or standalone Prime Video subscription
• Full Week 17 spans four days: Games run Thursday through Monday, with multiple streaming options across Netflix, Prime Video, Peacock, ESPN+, CBS, FOX, and NBC
• Playoff implications are huge: This is the final week before the postseason, so every game carries weight for teams fighting for seeding or trying to clinch wild card spots

Amazon Prime Video standalone costs

The Christmas Day NFL Trifecta: Three Games, Three Time Slots

Let's be real: the NFL's decision to put three games on Christmas Day is strategic. It fills the day's momentum perfectly. You start your morning knowing you've got football at 1 p.m., you settle in with your family after lunch, and by the time the evening game rolls around, you've probably already watched two competitive matchups and eaten enough food to require a nap.

The early game at 1 p.m. ET features the Dallas Cowboys visiting the Washington Commanders at Fed Ex Forum. This is a division matchup with NFC East implications. The Commanders have been competitive this season, and the Cowboys, despite inconsistent play, always bring intensity to division games. It's the kind of game where bragging rights matter almost as much as playoff positioning.

The afternoon slot at 4:30 p.m. ET gives you the Detroit Lions against the Minnesota Vikings. This matchup has teeth. Both teams have playoff aspirations, and the Lions, in particular, have been one of the year's surprise stories. Playing in Detroit on Christmas has a different feel than most stadiums. There's an intensity in cold-weather football that you can't replicate in domes or warm climates.

The primetime game at 8:15 p.m. ET is the marquee matchup: Denver Broncos versus Kansas City Chiefs. This is your heavyweight bout. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are always playoff threats, while the Broncos have been scrappy and competitive. Primetime playoff-race football doesn't get better than this. It's the game people will be talking about on December 26.

Estimated data suggests a significant shift towards streaming platforms for NFL games by 2028, with increased interactive features and pricing tiers.

Netflix's Exclusive Christmas Day Coverage: Two Games, One Platform

Netflix hosting Christmas Day NFL games is still somewhat surreal. A decade ago, streaming sports on Netflix seemed impossible. Today, it's a core part of the entertainment calendar. For the second consecutive year, Netflix has secured exclusive rights to broadcast two NFL games on Christmas Day, and the implications are massive for how we consume sports.

The streamer is handling the 1 p.m. ET Cowboys-Commanders game and the 4:30 p.m. ET Lions-Vikings matchup. Both games will be available to all Netflix subscribers in the United States, which means no need for ESPN+, no premium sports tier, no extra layer of payment beyond your regular Netflix subscription.

Here's what makes this significant: Netflix isn't charging extra. If you've got an active Netflix account already, you're covered. If you don't, a standard Netflix subscription runs between

One thing worth noting is that Netflix's sports streaming infrastructure has matured significantly. The platform handled Super Bowl LVIII with minimal hiccups back in 2024, so expectations are high for Christmas Day. The company has invested in robust servers and edge computing to handle the surge in simultaneous viewers during major sporting events.

From a technical standpoint, Netflix sports streams are solid. Picture quality adapts to your internet connection, and the platform supports most devices. Whether you're watching on a television, tablet, laptop, or phone, Netflix detects your screen size and adjusts resolution accordingly. The adaptive bitrate streaming means even if your connection wavers, the game doesn't buffer into oblivion.

One consideration: Netflix has set viewing restrictions based on household accounts. If you're trying to share login credentials with friends or extended family watching in separate locations, Netflix's household account restrictions may come into play. The platform is actively enforcing account sharing limitations, so this is worth checking before Christmas Day rolls around.

Amazon Prime Video's Thursday Night Football: The Broncos-Chiefs Primetime Event

Amazon Prime Video has owned Thursday Night Football for several years now, and the streaming giant isn't letting go of that exclusive positioning. The Broncos-Chiefs game on Christmas evening is exclusive to Prime Video subscribers, which means you won't find it on your cable box, no matter which provider you use.

Here's the good news: if you're already an Amazon Prime member for the free shipping and other benefits, you automatically have access to Prime Video. Your Amazon Prime subscription includes streaming rights as part of the package. If you're just interested in sports and don't want to deal with Amazon's broader membership benefits, you can subscribe to Prime Video standalone for $9 per month, or save money with a Prime Video annual subscription.

Amazon's streaming quality for Thursday Night Football has been consistently excellent. The company carries the feed in 4K for compatible devices and internet connections, which means you can experience football at a higher resolution than most cable broadcasts. The bitrate is robust, and while the picture quality depends on your internet speed and device capabilities, most modern televisions and streaming devices will deliver crystal-clear video.

One advantage of Prime Video streaming: interactive features. During certain games, Amazon offers picture-in-picture modes, multiple camera angles, or statistics overlays. For the Christmas game, expect the platform to potentially offer enhanced viewing options. You can switch between different broadcast perspectives or keep stats visible without missing gameplay action.

The Broncos-Chiefs matchup specifically matters because these teams have met multiple times recently with significant playoff implications. Patrick Mahomes against the Broncos' defense is always compelling television. Mahomes has the highest ceiling of any quarterback in football, and he performs at his best when the stakes are highest. Watching him in a game with playoff seeding ramifications on Christmas evening is exactly the kind of primetime content that justifies streaming investment.

Sunday features the most games during NFL Week 17, with a total of 10 games, while Thursday and Monday have fewer games, focusing on key matchups. Estimated data.

Full NFL Week 17 Schedule: Thursday Through Monday

Christmas Day gives you the opening act, but Week 17 doesn't conclude until Monday evening. The full schedule spans four days and includes games across every major streaming platform and traditional broadcast network. Understanding the complete schedule helps you plan your viewing week and figure out which subscriptions you actually need.

Thursday, December 25th kicks off with your three Christmas games. Cowboys-Commanders at 1 p.m. on Netflix, Lions-Vikings at 4:30 p.m. on Netflix, and Broncos-Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video. After these three games finish, you've got a break until Saturday.

Saturday, December 27th brings two games with streaming-heavy coverage. The Houston Texans visit the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:30 p.m. ET, airing on NFL Network and through NFL+. This game isn't on traditional cable unless you've got the sports-heavy packages, which means streaming is your primary option. The Baltimore Ravens play the Green Bay Packers at 8:00 p.m. ET on Peacock, which requires a Peacock subscription. Note that Peacock's sports tier ($11.99 monthly) includes live sports, while the basic tier doesn't.

Sunday, December 28th is the traditional game day with maximum coverage. This is when most of the Week 17 games air, and the network coverage is extensive. The Steelers-Browns rivalry game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on CBS. The Patriots-Jets matchup airs on FOX at 1:00 p.m., featuring jets with playoff aspirations. The Seahawks-Panthers game is also at 1:00 p.m. on CBS. You've got the Cardinals-Bengals rivalry game at 1:00 p.m. on FOX, and the Jaguars-Colts AFC South matchup at 1:00 p.m. on FOX as well. The Buccaneers-Dolphins game comes in at 1:00 p.m. on FOX, while the Saints-Titans matchup is on CBS at 1:00 p.m.

In the afternoon window at 4:05 p.m. ET, the Giants-Raiders game airs on CBS. At 4:25 p.m. ET, the Eagles-Bills playoff-race game appears on FOX. This is the kind of game where every yard matters. The Eagles are fighting for positioning, and the Bills are doing the same.

Sunday's primetime matchup at 8:20 p.m. ET features the Chicago Bears visiting the San Francisco 49ers on NBC. This is potentially a playoff-seeding decider. The 49ers have been West Coast powerhouses, and the Bears have surprised everyone with competitive football. Watching them clash on Sunday evening is exactly the type of game that drives playoff narratives.

Monday, December 29th wraps up the week with a single game: the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Atlanta Falcons at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. This Monday Night Football game is the week's final piece of content, and depending on Sunday's results, it could have massive playoff implications. The Rams have talent, and the Falcons are always capable of surprising. A Monday evening game in Atlanta could be decided by crowd noise and division pride.

Streaming Service Breakdown: What You Need to Subscribe to

If you want to watch every single NFL game during Week 17 without missing anything, you need to understand what each streaming service provides and whether the cost justifies access.

Netflix is your entry point for Christmas Day action. A standard subscription at $15.49 monthly gets you the Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings games. That's two games in full quality without any additional streaming service requirements. For many households, Netflix is already a staple, so this might be "free" viewing in a sense.

Amazon Prime Video costs either

Peacock is NBC's streaming service, and you'll need it for the Ravens-Packers Saturday game. A Peacock Premium subscription is

NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and carries certain games that air on NFL Network. The Texans-Chargers game requires NFL+ at

Cable networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) require either traditional cable subscriptions or streaming alternatives. CBS games can often be streamed through Paramount+, FOX games through various services, and NBC games through Peacock. ESPN requires an ESPN+ subscription at

Here's the reality: if you want everything, you're looking at multiple subscriptions. But most people don't need everything. If you care about your team, you've likely already identified which games matter. Pick the services that carry those games, subscribe for the week if necessary, and enjoy the football.

The primetime game between the Broncos and Chiefs is estimated to be the most exciting, with a rating of 9, due to its playoff implications and star players. Estimated data.

The Matchups That Matter: Christmas Day Analysis

Let's dig into what makes each Christmas game compelling beyond just the time slot.

The Cowboys-Commanders matchup is an NFC East division battle with significant implications. The Commanders have quietly been one of the better stories of the season, while the Cowboys have been inconsistent. In division games, talent matters less than execution, and Christmas Day rivalry intensity is real. This game will likely determine or influence playoff seeding in the NFC East.

The Lions-Vikings game represents two different playoff trajectories colliding. The Lions have been surprisingly competitive and are fighting for a wild card spot or division positioning. The Vikings are a perennial playoff team with expectations. When these teams play, it's often close, physical football. Cold-weather December football in Detroit carries a different atmosphere than most stadiums, and that can be an advantage for the home team.

The Broncos-Chiefs primetime showdown is the main event. Patrick Mahomes is the most talented quarterback in the AFC, and he raises his game in moments like this. The Broncos have solid talent on defense and are scrappy. Watching a primetime game between division rivals where playoff implications hang in the balance is what football fans live for. This is the Christmas game people will remember in ten years if one team dramatically advances its playoff positioning based on this result.

Understanding Playoff Implications: Why Week 17 Matters

Week 17 is the final push before the postseason. Twelve teams make the playoffs out of the NFL's 32 teams, which means not everyone is fighting for the same thing. Some teams are locked in, some are mathematically eliminated, and many are on the razor's edge where one win or loss determines everything.

For the teams playing on Christmas, the stakes are particularly high. The Cowboys-Commanders winner likely claims the NFC East or positions themselves favorably for wild card seeding. The Lions-Vikings game could determine wild card positioning in the NFC. The Broncos-Chiefs matchup could impact AFC West seeding.

The mathematics of playoff qualification are brutal. A team with ten wins might miss the playoffs because of strength of schedule or other tiebreakers. A team with nine wins might sneak in. Understanding this context makes every snap matter. Every penalty, every turnover, every missed field goal carries playoff weight.

This is why Week 17 games are often the most compelling of the season. The pretense of "just another game" evaporates. Everyone knows what's on the line. Players play with different urgency. Teams dial up aggression. Coaches make bolder playcalls. Christmas Day football in Week 17 is football at its most intense.

Netflix offers three subscription tiers with varying costs and features. The Standard plan at $15.49 is popular for its HD quality and two simultaneous streams.

Technical Streaming Considerations: Making Sure Your Setup Works

Streaming sports on Christmas Day means you need reliable internet and proper device setup. Nothing's worse than your team scoring a touchdown and your stream buffering.

First, internet speed. Netflix recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K quality, but honestly, 15-20 Mbps is fine for 1080p on Netflix. Amazon Prime Video recommends 15 Mbps for HD quality. If you're streaming on multiple devices simultaneously (say, the kids have tablets while the adults watch on the TV), you need more bandwidth. Most household internet can handle this, but if you've got six people doing different things, you might experience slowdown.

Test your connection the day before. Use an online speed test from Ookla or similar services. Run it multiple times to see if speeds are consistent. Streaming sports requires reliable speeds. Inconsistent internet might give you a smooth stream one moment and buffering the next.

Second, device choice. Smart TVs connected via ethernet are most reliable. If you must use Wi Fi, position your router close to the TV or use a Wi Fi extender. Streaming sticks like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire work well for sports when you've got solid Wi Fi. Phones and tablets are fine for secondary viewing but not ideal for your main game experience.

Third, browser streaming. If you're watching on a laptop or desktop through a web browser, use an updated browser like Chrome or Safari. Older browsers sometimes struggle with video codec support. Clear your browser cache before the games start.

Fourth, account sharing and access. Make sure you're logged into the right accounts on the right devices. Netflix households might have different profiles, and you want to make sure the device you're watching on is authorized. Amazon Prime needs your account logged in. Peacock needs authentication. Nothing's worse than spending ten minutes troubleshooting login issues when the game's already started.

Fifth, backup options. Have a phone or tablet available as a backup screen. If your TV stream has issues, you can immediately pivot to a smaller screen and keep watching. This might not be ideal, but it beats missing crucial moments.

Cord-Cutting Strategy: How to Watch Everything Without Cable

There's a reason cord-cutting has become mainstream: cable is expensive. Watching Week 17 games without a cable subscription is entirely feasible if you're strategic about it.

Start by identifying which games matter to you. Don't subscribe to everything. Pick the games involving teams you follow or matchups you're genuinely interested in. Most people don't need access to all sixteen simultaneous Sunday games.

For the Christmas games, Netflix and Prime Video cover you. That's two subscriptions you might already have anyway.

For Saturday's games, Peacock covers the Ravens-Packers (assuming it matters to you), and NFL+ covers the Texans-Chargers. You might pick one or the other based on which team interests you.

For Sunday's games, if your team is playing on CBS or FOX, you might be able to stream through Paramount+ (CBS) or the FOX Sports app (FOX). Some games might require cable login, but increasingly, these networks let you authenticate through the streaming app.

NBC's Bears-49ers game is on Peacock (if you already have a subscription) or potentially through NBC's website with cable authentication.

ESPN's Monday game requires either cable login or ESPN+ subscription.

The total cost depends on what you choose, but realistically, most people can watch the games they care about for under $50-60 in streaming subscriptions for the entire week. That's far cheaper than a month of cable.

Estimated data shows that Peacock, Paramount+, and ESPN+ are the most used services for watching Week 17 games, each covering key matchups. Estimated data.

The Christmas Day Atmosphere: Why Football on December 25 Feels Different

Football on Christmas has a unique quality. It's tradition mixed with novelty. Your extended family might not care about football at all, but suddenly, on Christmas Day, it becomes a gathering point. It's appointment viewing that's also casual enough for non-football fans to have on in the background.

The weather plays into it too. December football in cold-weather cities carries an atmosphere you don't get in September. There's rawness to it. The field conditions matter more. The ball behaves differently when it's cold. Players' movements are slightly more deliberate. Everything feels more consequential.

Teams also treat Christmas games differently. Wearing special uniforms, playing in front of family members who've flown in, the unique energy of a mid-holiday game that's somehow different from a regular Sunday matchup. Players remember these games differently. Coaches emphasize the historical significance. It becomes something beyond football.

For viewers, it's similar. Watching football on Christmas while surrounded by family is different from a Sunday in October where everyone's thinking about work the next day. There's no Monday morning work stress. It's vacation time. Holidays. The games matter, but the atmosphere is more relaxed even as playoff intensity ramps up.

This is why Netflix and Amazon secured these broadcasting rights. The audience is massive because it's not just football fans. It's families, casual viewers, people who care about the holiday experience as much as the sports content. Christmas Day football isn't just for diehards. It's cultural touchstone viewing.

Backup Streaming Options: What If Your Primary Service Fails

Streamers want to ensure redundancy. If Netflix has a catastrophic failure, you need alternatives. Most games air on multiple platforms or have backup options.

If Netflix goes down for the Cowboys-Commanders or Lions-Vikings games, check if your cable provider offers on-demand access, though this is unlikely given Netflix's exclusivity. Realistically, Netflix maintains such robust infrastructure that complete failure is improbable. The company has substantial experience with simultaneous viewers and has invested billions in server infrastructure specifically for moments like this.

If Amazon Prime Video fails for the Broncos-Chiefs game, some cable providers might have backup options through their NFL packages, but again, given Prime Video's exclusivity, you're limited. Amazon's infrastructure is similarly robust. The company runs multiple data centers and has experience with massive concurrent viewership.

For Saturday's Peacock game, if you lose access, you're somewhat stuck unless another service has broadcast rights. Check Peacock's status page and your internet connection before assuming the worst.

For traditional broadcast games on Sunday and Monday, if the streaming option fails, you always have cable as a backup if you have it. If you're cord-cut, check the network's website for alternative streaming. Most networks have multiple platforms carrying the same game.

The practical approach is having multiple devices and backup internet. If your TV's Wi Fi drops, have a phone hotspot as a backup. If Netflix drops on your TV, stream it on a laptop. Redundancy beats panic.

Beyond December 25: Week 17 Full Schedule Deep Dive

Christmas Day is the appetizer. The full Week 17 schedule is the main course.

Saturday's games matter specifically because they're before Sunday's massive slate. The Texans-Chargers game on NFL Network and NFL+ is a conflict play for some viewers. The Ravens-Packers game on Peacock carries significant implications for NFC playoff seeding.

Sunday is where everything happens. Fourteen games across four time slots. The early window has six simultaneous games at 1:00 p.m. ET. This is broadcast football at its most intense. Multiple playoff races are being decided simultaneously. Your team might be playing or you might be watching the domino effects of what other results mean for your team's positioning.

The afternoon windows at 4:05 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. offer four games with playoff implications. The Giants-Raiders and Eagles-Bills matchups both carry weight. The Eagles are fighting for NFC playoff positioning, and the Bills are doing the same in the AFC.

Sunday primetime's Bears-49ers game is the showcase. Both teams have legitimate playoff aspirations. The 49ers have been West Coast powerhouses for years, while the Bears have been a surprise this season. Primetime playoff-implications football is exactly why people watch.

Monday's Rams-Falcons game is the final piece. Depending on Sunday's results, this game could be pivotal or purely interesting from a divisional perspective. Either way, it closes out Week 17.

Planning Your Week 17 Experience: A Practical Guide

You've got the schedule. Now make a plan for what you actually want to watch.

First, identify your team's schedule. Which games do they play? Which day and time? Which platform? Circle those on your calendar. These are non-negotiable.

Second, identify playoff race games that matter to your team's positioning. If your team needs the Eagles to lose to the Bills, that game becomes watchable. If you need the Giants to beat the Raiders for tiebreaker reasons, suddenly that becomes interesting.

Third, pick one or two "just good football" games where you don't have rooting interest but the quality of play will be entertaining. The Broncos-Chiefs game is essentially mandatory in this category. The 49ers-Bears game is mandatory for that reason too.

Fourth, plan your subscriptions. Based on the games you want to watch, subscribe to the necessary services. If you only care about Netflix's two games and Prime Video's game, that's two subscriptions (which many people already have).

Fifth, test your technology on December 24. Run speed tests. Log into your streaming accounts. Make sure your smart TV can connect to Netflix and Prime Video. Nothing's worse than troubleshooting on game day.

Sixth, set phone reminders for game start times. Streaming games don't have the "it's commercial break time, we're about to play" predictability of cable. Set reminders so you don't miss the first snap.

Seventh, plan your food. Food during football watching is sacred. Decide what you're eating during each game and prepare accordingly. You don't want to be making nachos when your team's scoring a touchdown.

Looking Ahead: How Christmas Day NFL Games Are Changing

Netflix and Amazon's involvement in Christmas Day football represents a fundamental shift in how sports are distributed. Traditional broadcasters like CBS, FOX, and NBC have historically owned football. Now, tech companies with massive streaming budgets are competing directly.

This matters because it suggests future Christmas Day games, future Thursday Night Football, and potentially future Super Bowls will migrate to streaming platforms. Consumers will need to adapt to accessing sports through multiple services rather than concentrating everything on cable.

It also means more innovation in sports broadcasting. Netflix and Amazon have different technology stacks than traditional broadcasters. Interactive features, multiple camera angles, and enhanced viewing options are more likely on streaming platforms. The technology infrastructure supporting these games will improve each year.

Pricing will also evolve. Right now, Netflix's Christmas games are included with standard subscriptions. This won't necessarily be permanent. As streaming services compete harder for sports rights, they might create premium sports tiers. Amazon might charge extra for premium Thursday Night Football experiences. Netflix might require higher tiers for certain sporting events.

The good news is competition benefits consumers in the short term. Right now, you can access both Christmas Day games relatively affordably. But the long-term trajectory suggests fragmentation of sports viewing across more platforms and potentially higher overall costs for comprehensive access.

Maximizing Your Viewing Experience: Pro Tips

Here are specific strategies to make your Week 17 and Christmas Day viewing experience exceptional.

Get your seating right. If you're watching for multiple hours, comfort matters. Get the good couch, not the wooden chair. Have blankets available because football watching involves being stationary for long periods.

Optimize your screen angle. Position your screen so you can see it from anywhere you'll be sitting. Streaming devices have wider optimal viewing angles than you might think.

Enable notifications. Set your phone to notify you when major games are starting. Missing a kickoff is annoying. Miss multiple kickoffs and you're perpetually behind the action.

Test game features. Many streaming services have alternate broadcast options. Try them out during the pre-game show before the game starts. Picture-in-picture, alternate angles, statistical overlays—these are worth exploring during non-critical moments.

Manage distractions. Tell family members you're unavailable during games. Set phone to silent or Do Not Disturb. Streaming requires you to actively stay engaged rather than having cable provide passive background entertainment. You control when commercials happen (or don't happen), so you control the pacing.

Have water and snacks within arm's reach. Getting up during crucial moments is the streaming equivalent of missing cable-watching action.

Use the pause feature. Unlike cable, streaming lets you pause live games. Use this during bathroom breaks or when you need to grab something. Just don't pause during crucial moments that everyone else is watching simultaneously.

FAQ

What streaming services do I need to watch all NFL Week 17 games?

At minimum, you need Netflix (for Christmas Day games) and Amazon Prime Video (for the Broncos-Chiefs game). Beyond that, it depends on which other games interest you. Peacock is needed for the Ravens-Packers Saturday game, NFL+ for the Texans-Chargers game, and traditional broadcast network subscriptions or apps for Sunday games. Most people don't need all services and should subscribe based on which specific games matter to them.

Is Netflix free for the Christmas Day NFL games?

Netflix's Christmas Day games are included with any active Netflix subscription. You don't pay extra for the games specifically, but you do need an active Netflix account. A standard Netflix subscription costs $15.49 monthly, though cheaper ad-supported tiers exist. If you already subscribe to Netflix, the games are included at no additional cost.

Can I watch Amazon Prime Video's Broncos-Chiefs game without an Amazon Prime membership?

Yes. Amazon offers Prime Video as a standalone subscription for $9 monthly, separate from full Amazon Prime membership. However, many people already have Amazon Prime for shipping and other benefits, which includes Prime Video access. Check your Amazon account to see if you already have Prime Video included.

What time do the Christmas Day NFL games start?

The Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders starts at 1 p.m. ET on Netflix. The Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Netflix. The Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Will the Christmas Day NFL games be available on cable?

The two Netflix games (Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings) are exclusive to Netflix and will not be available on traditional cable channels. The Prime Video game (Broncos-Chiefs) is exclusive to Prime Video and not available on cable. If you want to watch these games, you must use the streaming platforms.

What is NFL+, and do I need it for Week 17?

NFL+ is the National Football League's official streaming service offering access to certain games, usually those on NFL Network. For Week 17, the Texans-Chargers game on Saturday requires NFL+ access. A monthly subscription is

How reliable is Netflix for streaming live sports?

Netflix has invested heavily in infrastructure for live streaming. The platform successfully streamed Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 with minimal issues and had over 50 million viewers for Christmas Day games in 2024. The service uses adaptive bitrate streaming, meaning it adjusts video quality based on your internet connection. Netflix's reliability for sports streaming is generally excellent, though occasional technical issues can occur with any service during peak viewing times.

Can I watch the games on my phone or do I need a TV?

You can watch on phones, tablets, laptops, or TVs. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video support all these devices. However, watching on a TV with a strong internet connection is generally preferred for the best experience. If you're watching on a phone or tablet, make sure you have a reliable Wi Fi connection or strong cellular signal.

What if I miss the live games on Christmas Day or Week 17?

Most streaming services and broadcast networks offer on-demand replays, usually within hours of games finishing. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and network apps all provide replay access. You can watch at your convenience, though beware of spoilers if you're trying to avoid the results. Full game replays are typically available on these platforms for several days after the game airs.

Are there any free ways to watch the Christmas Day or Week 17 games?

Free options are limited for Christmas Day games since they're on Netflix and Prime Video, which require subscriptions. However, both services offer free trial periods if you're new subscribers. For Week 17's other games, some broadcast network apps (CBS, FOX, NBC) offer free limited streaming without cable authentication, though full access usually requires cable login. NFL+ sometimes offers free trial periods as well.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Holiday Football

Christmas Day football isn't just about the games. It's about tradition, family gathering, and the unique atmosphere of sports on a holiday. Whether you're watching alone, with your immediate family, or hosting a larger gathering, the experience matters as much as the outcomes.

The shift to streaming for these flagship games represents how sports broadcasting is evolving. Your grandfather might have watched Christmas football on ABC or CBS. You're watching on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Your kids might watch on platforms that don't exist yet. The medium is changing, but the passion remains constant.

Week 17 is when football reaches peak intensity. Playoff implications hang on every play. Teams are fighting for their season's survival. Players are playing knowing this might be their last game if they miss the postseason. That intensity is palpable through any broadcast medium.

Plan your viewing ahead. Make sure your internet is solid, your accounts are set up, and you know which games matter to you. Prepare your food, settle into your chosen seating, and embrace the football feast that Christmas Day and Week 17 provide.

Football on December 25 is special precisely because it's rare and because it happens during a time when sports typically takes a back seat to holiday preparations. That's what makes it memorable. That's what makes it worth understanding the streaming landscape and ensuring you don't miss a moment.

Enjoy the games. Enjoy the family time. Enjoy tradition meeting modern technology. And most importantly, enjoy the pure football that Week 17 provides.

Key Takeaways

• Three NFL games air on Christmas Day 2025: Cowboys-Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Netflix), Lions-Vikings (4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix), and Broncos-Chiefs (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
• Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are the exclusive carriers for Christmas games, requiring separate streaming subscriptions rather than cable access
• Week 17 runs Thursday through Monday with 16 total games across multiple platforms, with substantial playoff implications for playoff positioning and seeding
• Streaming infrastructure from Netflix and Amazon has proven reliable for massive simultaneous viewers, supporting 50+ million concurrent users during holiday broadcasts
• Cord-cutting strategies for Week 17 require selecting specific games and subscribing only to necessary services, typically costing $40-60 for comprehensive access

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