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How to Watch Christmas Day NFL Games 2025: Complete Streaming Guide
Christmas Day and football go together like eggnog and cookies. For decades, the NFL has made December 25 a guaranteed holiday tradition, and 2025 continues that legacy with three marquee matchups spread across the afternoon and evening. If you're planning your holiday around football, you'll need to know where to find each game, what time they kick off, and whether your current streaming subscriptions get you in the door.
Here's the reality: Christmas Day football in 2025 is more fragmented than ever. You'll need access to multiple streaming platforms to catch all three games without missing a thing. Netflix is back with two games, Prime Video has the primetime slot, and the rest of the Week 17 slate is scattered across traditional broadcast networks and specialty services. Planning ahead takes about five minutes, but doing it wrong means scrambling on game day while everyone else is eating dessert.
This guide breaks down exactly where to stream each Christmas Day game, what time they start, how much each service costs, and what else you get with your subscription. We'll also run through the complete Week 17 schedule so you can map out your entire football weekend beyond Christmas itself.
TL; DR
- Three games on Christmas Day 2025: 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 (Prime Video)
- Netflix costs 22.99/month depending on ad-supported or ad-free tiers; Prime Video is139/year Prime membership
- You'll need multiple subscriptions to watch all Christmas games without cable or antenna, but most households have Netflix or Prime already
- Week 17 continues through December 29, with games spread across CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Peacock, and NFL+
- Plan ahead: Verify your login access and internet speed the day before to avoid technical issues during the games
The Three Christmas Day NFL Games at a Glance
Let's get straight to it. Christmas 2025 delivers three NFL games, each on a different platform, each worth watching for different reasons.
The Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET on Netflix kicks off the day. This isn't some random mid-season matchup. The Commanders are legitimate playoff contenders, and the Cowboys remain one of the most watched teams in football regardless of their record. You're looking at a competitive NFC East rivalry with playoff implications potentially hanging in the balance.
The Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET also streams on Netflix. The Lions have been one of the year's surprise stories, and this matchup determines NFC North positioning heading into the final stretch. Prime time in the afternoon, traditionally one of the best time slots for football, and both teams with something to prove.
Finally, the Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video brings the nightcap. This is the marquee game. The Chiefs are always relevant, and the Broncos add intrigue to an AFC West battle. It's the biggest game of the day, positioned in primetime, and it'll determine how a lot of people finish their Christmas evening.
Where to Watch the Cowboys vs. Commanders: Netflix Leads Christmas
Netflix now owns Christmas Day football, at least for the first two games. The Cowboys-Commanders matchup at 1 p.m. ET represents Netflix's second year hosting NFL games on December 25, and the platform has clearly made the investment worth the effort.
Netflix isn't a traditional sports platform. The streamer normally focuses on scripted content, reality shows, and documentaries. But the NFL Christmas Day games are appointment viewing, and Netflix figured out that aligning with a major cultural event drives subscriptions. A lot of people who'd never watch Netflix might fire it up specifically for football, then stick around for everything else.
Catching the Cowboys-Commanders game requires a Netflix subscription. Here's what that costs in 2025:
Netflix Tier Breakdown:
- Netflix with Ads: $6.99/month (includes ads during shows and sports)
- Netflix Standard: $15.49/month (ad-free, SD quality)
- Netflix Premium: $22.99/month (ad-free, 4K quality)
If you don't have Netflix, the cheapest entry point is the ad-supported tier at
One thing to check before Christmas: verify that your Netflix account works on your preferred device. Netflix games stream in native app quality on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. If you're streaming from a browser, make sure your system supports it. Netflix's web player requires a compatible browser, and some older systems might have issues.
The Cowboys-Commanders kickoff at 1 p.m. ET means you've got time to eat breakfast, set up your viewing area, and grab snacks. This is early-afternoon football, which means it's good timing for families with kids or anyone who needs to spread their day out.
The Lions vs. Vikings on Netflix at 4:30 p.m. ET: The Afternoon Main Event
The second Netflix game, Lions versus Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET, is genuinely compelling. The Detroit Lions transformed from laughingstock to contender, and watching them in primetime on Christmas has a weird cultural weight to it. The Minnesota Vikings represent NFC North competition, and late-afternoon football is traditionally when the biggest games happen.
This game uses the same Netflix subscription as the Cowboys-Commanders game. If you've got Netflix running at 1 p.m., you're already set for 4:30 p.m. Same login, same platform, same
One advantage of Netflix's sports broadcast: it's relatively straightforward. You open the app, find the live game tab, and press play. Netflix doesn't have the confusing tier system that some other platforms do. If you can watch Netflix shows, you can watch this game. The stream quality depends on your subscription tier and internet speed, but even the ad-supported tier delivers solid viewing quality on modern devices.
The Broncos vs. Chiefs on Prime Video: Primetime on December 25
The Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video is the crown jewel of Christmas Day football in 2025. This is primetime. This is the game people circle. The Chiefs are perennial contenders, the Broncos are trying to prove they belong in the conversation, and it's NFL Thursday Night Football tradition moved to Christmas.
Prime Video requires either an Amazon Prime membership or a standalone Prime Video subscription. Here's the cost structure:
Amazon Prime Membership:
- Includes Prime Video, free two-day shipping, Prime Music, Prime Gaming, exclusive deals
- Generally the best value if you shop on Amazon
Prime Video Standalone: $9/month
- Just the streaming service, no shipping or other benefits
- Best if you only care about video content
Prime Video Free Trial: 30 days
- New subscribers can test it free before committing
- Useful if you want to watch this game for free (one-time offer)
If you already have an Amazon Prime membership, you're in. The Broncos-Chiefs game is included at no additional cost. The game appears in the Prime Video app just like any other show.
Prime Video's sports streams are reliable. Thursday Night Football airs exclusively on Prime Video during the regular season, so Amazon has months of experience broadcasting live games. The stream quality is good, the playback is stable, and the broadcast includes traditional NFL commentary and analysis.
One thing to note: Prime Video doesn't have an ad-free option for sports. Whether you pay
Full NFL Week 17 Schedule: Beyond Christmas Day
Christmas Day is just the beginning of Week 17. The rest of the NFL week extends from December 27 through December 29, with games scattered across multiple networks and streaming platforms. Here's the complete picture.
Saturday, December 27, 2025: Early Week 17 Action
The weekend starts Saturday with two games. The Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers at 4:30 p.m. ET airs on NFL Network and streams on NFL+. This is a matchup between two AFC playoff contenders. The Texans are legitimate threats in the AFC South, and the Chargers represent West Coast football. NFL+ requires a subscription ($7.99/month), but it offers good value if you want year-round football access.
Later Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers at 8:00 p.m. ET appears on Peacock exclusively. This is Peacock's exclusive NFL game of the week. Peacock costs
Sunday, December 28, 2025: The Traditional Sunday Slate
Sunday is where the traditional NFL broadcast day really shines. Multiple games kick off simultaneously at 1:00 p.m. ET across CBS and FOX, then afternoon games follow at 4:05–4:25 p.m. ET, and NBC gets the Sunday Night Football showcase at 8:20 p.m. ET.
1:00 p.m. ET Games (CBS):
- Steelers vs. Browns
- Seahawks vs. Panthers
- Saints vs. Titans
1:00 p.m. ET Games (FOX):
- Patriots vs. Jets
- Cardinals vs. Bengals
- Jaguars vs. Colts
- Buccaneers vs. Dolphins
Afternoon Games (4:05–4:25 p.m. ET):
- Giants vs. Raiders (4:05 p.m., CBS)
- Eagles vs. Bills (4:25 p.m., FOX)
8:20 p.m. ET (NBC):
- Bears vs. 49ers
These are mostly traditional network broadcasts. If you have cable or an antenna, you can watch over-the-air. If you stream, most cable providers have apps (CBS, FOX, NBC apps with cable login) or standalone streaming services (Paramount+ for CBS, Peacock for NBC). FOX doesn't offer a separate streaming service for football—you either need cable or an antenna, though some games appear on streaming partners.
Monday, December 29, 2025: Week 17 Finale
Monday Night Football closes out Week 17 with the Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. This game airs on ESPN cable, ESPN+, and streaming through ESPN's various platforms. ESPN+ costs
Monday Night Football traditionally closes out regular NFL weeks, and this matchup determines a lot about playoff races heading into Week 18 and the final stretch.
The Streaming Platform Breakdown: What You Actually Need
Let's be direct: watching all of Week 17 requires multiple subscriptions if you don't have cable. But most people already have at least some of these services, so the actual cost might be lower than it appears.
Netflix is the most obvious. If you want the Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings games, you need Netflix. $6.99/month with ads is the minimum entry point, though most people who use Netflix for entertainment probably have a paid tier already.
Prime Video (or Amazon Prime) is almost as essential. The Broncos-Chiefs game is on Prime Video, and plenty of people have Prime subscriptions for shipping and other benefits anyway. If you don't, $9/month for Prime Video alone is cheaper than a traditional cable sports package.
Cable or Antenna is ideal for Sunday games. If you have traditional cable, you're covered for CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcasts. If you don't, an over-the-air antenna (costs
Peacock for the Ravens-Packers game. If you already have Peacock for other content (it costs
ESPN+ for Monday Night Football. Again,
NFL+ for NFL Network games like the Texans-Chargers matchup. This costs $7.99/month and is genuinely useful if you care about every game, but it's not essential for casual viewing.
Here's the honest assessment: if you have Netflix, Prime Video (or Prime), and cable or an antenna, you can watch everything in Week 17 except Peacock's exclusive Ravens-Packers game. If you skip that one, you're looking at 10 of 11 games covered. Adding Peacock for one month ($5.99) is surprisingly reasonable.
Getting Your Internet Ready for Game Day
Streaming football requires reliable internet. Video games occasionally stutter and nobody minds. Live sports stuttering is infuriating. Here's what you need to know.
Minimum Internet Speed for Streaming:
Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for 4K. Prime Video wants 15 Mbps for 4K, 5 Mbps for HD. Most modern internet provides plenty of bandwidth. The issue isn't usually speed—it's stability. A connection that claims 100 Mbps but drops packets will stutter more than a stable 25 Mbps connection.
Test your connection on December 24 using a site like speedtest.net. You're looking for download speeds above 25 Mbps for reliable 1080p streaming. If you're below 15 Mbps, let Netflix and Prime Video default to lower quality settings. It's better to watch in 480p without stuttering than 1080p with constant buffering.
Wi Fi vs. Ethernet:
If you're streaming on a smart TV or device near your router, use Ethernet cable if possible. It's faster and more stable than Wi Fi. If that's impractical, position yourself as close to the router as possible and minimize interference from other devices.
On December 25, other family members will probably be streaming, downloading, or video calling. That uses bandwidth. Ask people to minimize background streaming during game hours, or upgrade to a higher-speed plan if possible.
Device Compatibility:
Check that your device supports the streaming platform before game day. Netflix works on almost everything—smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers, streaming devices. Prime Video is similar. Peacock works best on newer devices. If you're using an old smart TV from 2015 or earlier, verify the app is available and supported.
Test by opening the app and playing a sample video. Don't just assume it'll work. Troubleshooting during the Cowboys-Commanders game is not fun.
Regional Considerations: Time Zones and Blackout Rules
The NFL's regional broadcast rules are irritating but important. Christmas games fall under national broadcast windows, so blackout restrictions are minimal. All three Christmas games should be available nationwide on their respective platforms.
Regional games on Sunday might be subject to local blackout rules in some markets. The rules are complex and vary by game and market, but generally, local games are blacked out if they're broadcast on local TV unless you're in the local market. Since most Sunday Week 17 games are on national networks (CBS, FOX, NBC) during prime windows, blackout restrictions are unlikely.
For international viewers, Christmas games might not be available or might be on different schedules. Netflix and Prime Video have regional restrictions. Check your local Netflix or Prime Video app to confirm that Christmas games are available in your region.
Prep Checklist: Do This Before Christmas Day
Here's what you should do in the week before Christmas to avoid streaming disasters:
1. Verify All Subscriptions (December 19–20)
Log into Netflix, Prime Video, and any other services you need. Make sure your login works. If you forgot your password, reset it now instead of on Christmas Day when you're stressed about food prep.
2. Update Streaming Apps (December 20–21)
Update the Netflix, Prime Video, and other apps on your devices. Updates fix bugs and improve performance. Apps that haven't updated in months sometimes have issues with live content.
3. Test Streaming Quality (December 22–23)
Open each app, find a sample video, and play it for 30 seconds. Watch for buffering, stuttering, or other issues. If you see problems, troubleshoot by clearing the app's cache or restarting your device.
4. Check Internet Speed (December 24)
Run a speed test. You need at least 15–25 Mbps for comfortable 1080p streaming. If you're below 10 Mbps, contact your internet provider about a temporary speed boost or plan adjustment.
5. Notify Your Network
If you share internet with family or housemates, tell them you're streaming games on Christmas. Ask them to avoid heavy downloads, video calls, or other bandwidth-heavy activities during game times. It sounds petty, but it prevents everyone's experience from degrading.
6. Clear Your Schedule
Don't make conflicting plans. If you're streaming all three games, you're committed from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET with breaks in between. Tell people you're unavailable during those windows.
The Bigger Picture: Why NFL Games on Christmas Matter
Football on Christmas isn't just scheduling—it's cultural. The NFL has positioned December 25 as one of the most reliable entertainment events in American culture. When family gatherings happen, football provides a neutral gathering point. People with wildly different interests can sit together and watch football.
Streaming changes the equation. Twenty years ago, you needed cable. Ten years ago, you needed cable or antenna plus a streaming subscription for some games. Now you need two or three streaming subscriptions plus possibly cable or antenna. The fragmentation is annoying, but it's also cheaper than ever. Streaming-only costs about the same as a month of cable, and you get more flexibility.
Netflix and Prime Video investing in NFL games is significant. These platforms compete for attention and subscribers. NFL games—especially high-profile games on holidays—drive subscriptions. People who don't care about Netflix will get Netflix for football, and then stick around for shows. That's the business logic.
For viewers, it means more options. You're not locked into cable. You can watch on your phone, tablet, TV, or computer. You can rewatch highlights immediately instead of waiting for ESPN's later highlights show. Technology is genuinely improving the viewing experience, even if the platform fragmentation is annoying.
Common Streaming Issues and Quick Fixes
Something always goes wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:
Buffering and Stuttering
First, check your internet speed. Run a speed test. If you're below 10 Mbps, your connection is the problem. Close other apps and devices using the network. Restart your device. If that doesn't work, restart your router (unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in).
If speed is fine but you're still stuttering, lower the video quality in the app settings. Most streaming apps let you manually set resolution. Choose 720p instead of 1080p and see if that fixes it.
App Crashes
If the app crashes, force close it completely. On most devices, hold down the app and swipe up/left to close it entirely. Then wait 10 seconds and reopen it. That fixes 80% of crashes.
If crashes persist, delete the app entirely and reinstall it. Yes, this is annoying, but a fresh install fixes most app-level issues.
Login Issues
If your login doesn't work, verify your email address and password. If you use the same password for multiple services (bad idea, but it happens), you might have entered it wrong. Try logging in on a web browser first to verify your credentials are correct.
If that works, restart the app and try logging in again. Sometimes the app caches bad credentials.
Device Compatibility Issues
If Netflix or Prime Video says your device isn't supported, you might be using an older model. Check the app's system requirements. If your device is genuinely too old, you'll need to upgrade to a newer streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick) or use a different device (phone, tablet, computer).
Regional Broadcast Networks: The Sunday Blueprint
Understanding which network broadcasts which Sunday game helps you plan your day. Here's the logic:
CBS (Eastern Games) CBS gets the first pick of Sunday games in most markets, especially in the Eastern time zone. They broadcast Steelers-Browns, Seahawks-Panthers, and Saints-Titans at 1 p.m. ET. CBS's broadcasts are solid. The commentary is professional, the production quality is good, and they have decades of experience broadcasting football.
FOX (Western Games) FOX gets the secondary slot of Sunday games. They broadcast Patriots-Jets, Cardinals-Bengals, Jaguars-Colts, and Buccaneers-Dolphins at 1 p.m. ET. If you're on the West Coast, FOX often gets better games because they're targeted at your time zone. FOX's broadcast quality is comparable to CBS.
NBC (Sunday Night Football) NBC gets the prestigious Sunday night slot, which means the best remaining game. Bears vs. 49ers at 8:20 p.m. ET is big-market football that networks know people will stay up for. NBC produces great broadcasts with top commentary talent.
The exact CBS vs. FOX split changes weekly based on game rankings and regional preferences. The NFL ratings committee decides beforehand which games air on which networks. Generally, higher-ranked matchups (bigger markets, better teams) get better time slots.
Thursday Night Football Tradition: Why Christmas Fits
Thursday Night Football is an NFL tradition that runs from September through December. Prime Video exclusively broadcasts Thursday games during the regular season, which is why the Broncos-Chiefs Christmas game is on Prime Video. It's not a random choice—it's where Thursday games live.
The NFL extended Thursday Night Football to include Christmas because it makes scheduling sense and guarantees a primetime slot on a major holiday. Christmas is Thursday in 2025, so Thursday Night Football naturally moves to Christmas Day.
Next year, if Christmas falls on a different day, the NFL adjusts accordingly. The philosophy is simple: get the biggest games on the biggest stages, especially during holidays when viewership peaks.
Fantasy Football Considerations: Week 17 Implications
If you're in a fantasy football league with playoffs happening, Week 17 is critical. Some leagues use Week 17 in their fantasy playoffs, while others use Weeks 16–17. Knowing your league's rules is important because Week 17 games sometimes have weird quarterback rotations or rest patterns as teams lock in their playoff seeds.
Christmas Day fantasy implications are specific. If your star player is on the Cowboys, Commanders, Lions, Vikings, Broncos, or Chiefs, you know their game time and platform. You can plan your game-day strategy accordingly.
Beyond Christmas, Monday night and Sunday night games affect fantasy strategy. If your player is on the Rams or Bears, they're in evening games where late-game situations matter more. A team trailing in the fourth quarter passes more, which helps fantasy wide receivers. This micro-level strategic thinking is why fantasy players obsess over schedules.
The Year-Round Football Calendar: Context for 2025
Week 17 isn't an ending—it's the beginning of the climax. After Week 17 comes Week 18, the final regular season week in early January. After that comes the playoffs, wild card round, divisional round, conference championships, and Super Bowl.
The 2024 season ran 18 weeks instead of the traditional 16 because the NFL expanded the regular season. This extra length gives playoff positioning more nuance. Teams can't just win one or two games to make the playoffs—they need consistent performance across 18 weeks.
Christmas Day football is part of this larger calendar. It's positioned in the playoff race's stretch run, where every game matters and division standings are still fluid. Teams are desperate. Playoff spots aren't locked yet. This creates genuinely compelling football.
International Viewers: Netflix and Prime Video Global Access
If you're outside the US, you might still catch Christmas games depending on where you live. Netflix has strong international sports coverage and often licenses NFL games in certain regions. Prime Video's international availability varies more significantly.
Check your local Netflix and Prime Video apps before Christmas to see if games are listed. Some regions get full Christmas coverage, while others get games delayed or not at all. European viewers sometimes get games at different times due to time zone conversion. Australian viewers might see games on Christmas evening their local time.
The NFL also invests in international availability through various partnerships. Some international markets have dedicated sports channels or streaming services that carry games. Checking your local TV listings is worth the effort.
Backup Streaming Options: What If Something Breaks
If your primary streaming plan fails—app crashes, internet goes out, account locked—you need backup options.
Mobile Streaming
If your smart TV fails, you can cast or Air Play from a phone or tablet to a secondary device. Most smartphones get decent data speeds, so you can theoretically stream the game from 4G/5G if Wi Fi fails. Quality might be lower, but the game is still watchable.
Alternate Devices
If one device fails, switch to another. Use your laptop if the TV stops working. Use a tablet if the laptop has issues. Have multiple devices ready with apps pre-installed and logged in.
Local Sports Bars and Restaurants
If you absolutely can't get streaming to work at home, sports bars will have the games on TV. Most bars show all major sporting events, especially Christmas football. Show up early for a good seat, order food, and enjoy the community experience.
Neighbor or Friend
If you're really stuck, a neighbor or friend with working Netflix or Prime Video can share. Streaming services are widely used, so someone you know probably has whatever you need.
Security and Account Management Tips
With multiple streaming subscriptions active, security matters. Here's how to protect your accounts:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Your Netflix, Prime, and other passwords should be different from each other and complex. If one account gets breached, attackers won't automatically have access to your other services. Use a password manager (like 1 Password or Bitwarden) to generate and store complex passwords.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Both Netflix and Prime Video support two-factor authentication. Enable it. It adds a small step (entering a code from your phone) but dramatically increases security.
Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly check your streaming accounts for unfamiliar login locations. Netflix shows where your account is logged in. If you see a login from an unexpected location, change your password immediately.
Don't Share Passwords Widely
Streaming services technically prohibit password sharing outside your household. Netflix specifically limits simultaneous streams based on your subscription tier. If you share your Netflix password with friends, they're violating terms of service. It's probably fine if it's a close friend or family member, but understand you're technically breaking the rules.
The Economics: What You're Really Paying
Let's calculate the actual cost of watching Christmas football legally through streaming:
Minimal Setup:
- Netflix Basic with Ads: $6.99/month
- Prime Video: $9/month
- Total: $15.99/month
Comfortable Viewing:
- Netflix Standard (ad-free): $15.49/month
- Amazon Prime: 11.58/month average)
- Total: $27.07/month
Full Access (Including Cable Alternative):
- Netflix Standard: $15.49/month
- Amazon Prime: 11.58/month average)
- Peacock ad-free: $11.99/month
- NFL+: $7.99/month
- Total: $46.05/month
Compare this to traditional cable:
The catch: you need to already use some of these services. If you're only subscribing for football, streaming is less attractive. But if you watch Netflix for shows and use Prime for shipping, Christmas football is basically free—just included with services you'd have anyway.
Post-Game Analysis: Where to Find Highlights and Recaps
After the games finish, you'll want highlights and analysis. Here's where to find them:
NFL.com and NFL App
The official NFL website and mobile app have full game highlights available within an hour of the final whistle. They're free without a login. This is the fastest way to catch highlights if you missed a game.
You Tube
Official NFL highlights appear on the NFL's You Tube channel. Full game recaps, highlight reels, and analysis videos are up quickly. No subscription required.
ESPN
ESPN's website and ESPN+ have game recaps and analysis. ESPN's flagship show Sports Center covers games in depth. ESPN produces some of the best football analysis available.
Reddit (r/nfl)
The r/nfl community posts highlights, analysis, and game threads. It's a great place to discuss games with other fans. Fair warning: it's also where the worst takes on the internet live, so read with skepticism.
Team Subreddits
Each NFL team has a subreddit where fans discuss games in real-time and post highlights. Joining your favorite team's subreddit is a good way to find community.
FAQ
What streaming services do I absolutely need for Christmas Day NFL games?
You need Netflix for the Cowboys-Commanders and Lions-Vikings games, and Prime Video (or Amazon Prime) for the Broncos-Chiefs game. These are the only two platforms showing Christmas games in 2025. If you have both subscriptions, you can watch all three games. Netflix costs
Can I watch NFL games without a subscription if I already have these services?
Yes, if you already have Netflix and Prime Video for other content, the Christmas games are included at no additional cost. You're not paying extra specifically for football—it's just part of your existing subscription. The only cost is your regular subscription fee, which you'd be paying anyway for other content.
What time do the Christmas Day NFL games start exactly?
The Cowboys-Commanders game starts at 1:00 p.m. ET on Netflix, the Lions-Vikings game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET on Netflix, and the Broncos-Chiefs game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video. Times are ET (Eastern Time). If you're in a different time zone, subtract 1 hour for Central, 2 hours for Mountain, and 3 hours for Pacific.
Are Christmas Day NFL games available outside the United States?
Availability depends on your country and local streaming rights. Netflix has strong international coverage and often carries NFL games in many regions, though not all. Prime Video's international availability is more limited. Check your local Netflix and Prime Video apps before Christmas to see if games are listed in your region. Some international markets have different streaming partners or broadcast schedules.
What internet speed do I need to stream these games without buffering?
Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for 4K. Prime Video wants 15 Mbps for 4K and 5 Mbps for HD. For comfortable 1080p streaming without buffering, aim for 15–25 Mbps. If your connection is slower, the streams will still work but at lower quality. Test your speed using speedtest.net before Christmas to see where you stand.
Can I share my Netflix or Prime Video login with family to watch the games?
Streaming services technically prohibit sharing passwords outside your household, though many people do it anyway for close family and friends. Netflix has stricter rules and monitors simultaneous streams based on your subscription tier. Amazon Prime is more lenient about household sharing. Be aware that you're technically violating terms of service if you share passwords, though enforcement is inconsistent.
What should I do if the game buffers or the app crashes during a game?
First, check your internet speed using speedtest.net. If you're below 10 Mbps, close other apps and devices using your network. Restart your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. Lower the video quality in the app settings. If the app crashes, force close it completely and reopen it. If crashes persist, delete and reinstall the app. These steps fix most streaming issues.
Can I watch previous seasons of NFL games on these streaming services?
Previous NFL games are available on various platforms but not on Netflix or Prime Video as on-demand content. The NFL's official app and website have highlights from recent games. NFL Game Pass (requires subscription) offers full game replays from previous seasons. ESPN+ also has archived games. For Christmas 2025 specifically, you'll need to watch live or find highlights after the broadcast.
Are there ads during the NFL games on Netflix and Prime Video?
Yes, if you have a Netflix subscription with ads ($6.99/month tier), you'll see ads during the games. Netflix inserts commercials, just like cable. If you have Netflix Standard or Premium (ad-free tiers), no ads during games. Prime Video always includes ads regardless of your subscription tier—there's no ad-free option for live sports on Prime Video.
What if I don't have Netflix or Prime Video? Can I still watch the games?
Yes, you can sign up for a free trial. Netflix offers 30 days free to new subscribers in some regions. Amazon Prime Video offers 30 days free as well. You can use the free trials to watch the Christmas games if you don't have subscriptions yet. However, you'd need both free trials to watch all three games, and they might not align perfectly with Christmas dates.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Christmas Day Football
Christmas Day 2025 offers legitimately good football across three distinct matchups. The Cowboys-Commanders game is competitive early-afternoon action. The Lions-Vikings game is a pivotal NFC North battle. The Broncos-Chiefs game is primetime championship-caliber football. You're not settling for mediocre games—these are worth watching.
The fragmentation across Netflix, Prime Video, and cable is annoying, but it's also reality. Streaming services compete for content rights, and the NFL capitalizes on this competition to maximize revenue. For viewers, it means lower overall costs than cable but more account management and platform switching.
Prepare now. Verify your subscriptions. Test your internet speed. Update your apps. Clear your schedule. By Christmas Eve, you should know exactly how you're watching each game, on what device, with what quality level, and what backup plan exists if something breaks.
Then, on Christmas Day itself, all you need to do is press play and enjoy the football. The preparation prevents the chaos. The games themselves are what matter—three hours of Cowboys football, then three and a half hours of Lions, then evening Broncos football to close out the day. It's tradition. It's entertainment. It's why millions of Americans spend part of Christmas with the NFL.
Get your setup right, and you'll be part of that tradition without the frustration. Happy holidays, and enjoy the games.
