Christmas Day famously belongs to football. This Dec. 25, there are three NFL games to watch: the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders, the Detroit Lions vs. the Minnesota Vikings, and the Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Here's what you need to know about Thursday's football slate, and the rest of the Week 17 schedule.

The Minnesota Vikings are gasping for air as the 2025 season continues to close in on them week after week. Much to their demise, injuries have been one issue, but the quarterback position has been their biggest handicap. They find themselves with a 4-8 record and are one loss away from being eliminated from the playoffs.

If the Vikings beat the Lions on Christmas, they would leapfrog them in the NFC North and as a result of no longer being at the bottom of the standings, they would likely sacrifice a more favorable schedule next season. Let’s take a look at what that look at what’s at stake:

NFL fans will be gifted a triple-header on Christmas Day. The Week 17 slate kicks off Thursday with a trio of divisional showdowns.

The Giants are dealing with their own season of turmoil as they look to get past the firing of their head coach, Brian Daboll. Interim head coach Mike Kafka has made some moves since taking over, but the Giants remain a mess and are prime for the picking for the Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings signed QB Brett Rypien after JJ McCarthy suffered a hand injury, adding depth at position ahead of Week 17 vs. Lions.

When the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 season veered fully off the rails, sitting with a 4-8 record after Week 13, at […]

The evolution of the Christmas Day sports calendar has given fans a respite if they need a break from family gatherings or just some entertainment. This year’s major events include five NBA games and three NFL games,