The NFL's 2025 Christmas Day slate features three pivotal games with playoff implications for the Lions and Broncos. The Cowboys face the Commanders, followed by Lions at Vikings and Broncos at Chiefs, all amid quarterback injury challenges. Experts predict wins for the favorites in a holiday tripleheader on Netflix and Prime Video.
The NFL kicks off Week 17 with a Christmas Day tripleheader, offering festive action packed with stakes and surprises. At 1 p.m. ET on Netflix, the Dallas Cowboys (eliminated from playoffs) visit the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Both teams are out of contention, but Dallas boasts a top offense led by Dak Prescott, who has thrown for over 4,000 yards. Washington, plagued by injuries, will start Marcus Mariota or Josh Johnson without Jayden Daniels, shut down for the season. Odds favor the Cowboys by 7 to 8.5 points, with a total of 50.5. CBS Sports' Pete Prisco predicts a 31-23 Cowboys win, noting, "Look for Dallas and Dak Prescott to go in and light up the Washington defense."
At 4:30 p.m. ET, also on Netflix, the 8-7 Detroit Lions travel to face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Detroit must win out and hope the Green Bay Packers lose both remaining games to sneak into the playoffs. The Vikings, adjusting to rookie J.J. McCarthy, won 27-24 in November but now deal with McCarthy's injury; undrafted rookie Max Brosmer may start. Lions are favored by 6 to 7.5 points, total 43.5-44.5. Prisco sees a close 21-19 Lions victory, saying, "The Lions need this game to have any playoff chance, but it won't be easy on the road."
The evening caps with the 12-3 Denver Broncos at the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video. Denver eyes the AFC's No. 1 seed with two wins, while Kansas City, ending a nine-year division reign, starts third-stringer Chris Oladokun after Patrick Mahomes' and Gardner Minshew's ACL tears. Broncos are heavy 13.5-point favorites, total 36.5. Prisco forecasts 24-13 for Denver: "The Broncos will rebound, but pride might keep the Chiefs in it for a bit."
NFL.com experts align with these picks, emphasizing Denver's dominance against a reeling Chiefs squad. The games underscore Week 17's mix of motivation and backups, with models like SportsLine projecting close covers for underdogs in simulations.
