The NFL will play three contests on Christmas Day. The Week 17 slate of showdowns will commence with the Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders. The mid-afternoon primetime slot is occupied by the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, while the evening contest features the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.
These matchups aren't as appetizing as the league hoped. The Cowboys and Commanders aren't chasing the postseason hunt, the Chiefs are 6-9 and lost Patrick Mahomes, and the Vikings aren't contenders in the NFC North.
Some of these organizations are playing for 2026 NFL Draft positioning. Nonetheless, we've identified six matchups to monitor on Christmas.
Commanders-Cowboys: Terry McLaurin vs. Trevon Diggs
The Commanders are down to 39-year-old third-string quarterback Josh Johnson following injuries to Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Johnson will be tasked with getting the ball to his top playmaker. Terry McLaurin has three receiving touchdowns in his last five appearances. It's been a strange season for Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, who should draw the McLaurin assignment on Christmas Day.
Commanders-Cowboys: George Pickens vs. Mike Sainristil
It's tough to imagine this terrible Commanders defense stopping the Cowboys' high-octane offense. The disastrous trade for cornerback Marshon Lattimore has backfired and placed a larger spotlight on Mike Sainristil this year. It has not been an encouraging sophomore season for Sainristil, who has allowed 58 receptions and a passer rating of 113.1. Cowboys wideout George Pickens should bully him in coverage.
Lions-Vikings: Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Brian Flores-coached defense
Jahmyr Gibbs should be in the Offensive Player of the Year conversation. The dynamic and versatile playmaker is tied for second in rushing touchdowns with 13, and has added another four receiving scores to his offensive totals. With Dan Campbell calling plays now, Gibbs has been an even bigger focal point of the Lions' offense. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores runs a complex and aggressive scheme, and his top priority will be to slow down No. 0.
Lions-Vikings: Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Josh Metellus
If the Vikings are to upset the Lions with Max Brosmer or Brett Rypien at quarterback, it's because their defense limited playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions will move St. Brown around the offensive formation in search of advantageous matchups. Safety Josh Metellus patrols the slot for Flores. Metellus has been inconsistent, allowing a 67.5% completion rate and five touchdowns.
Chiefs-Broncos: RJ Harvey vs. Drue Tranquill
Broncos running back RJ Harvey has scored a rookie-high 11 touchdowns as a rusher and pass-catcher. The second-round selection has gained influence in Sean Payton's backfield as the season has progressed. The Chiefs are a wounded franchise that looks disinterested in even playing at this point. Veteran linebacker Drue Tranquill needs to set the tone by coming downhill and meeting Harvey in the hole.
Chiefs Broncos: Nik Bonitto vs. Esa Pole
Both Chiefs offensive tackles, Josh Simmons and Jawaan Taylor, are on season-ending IR. Rookie undrafted free agent Esa Pole started the Week 16 blowout loss to the Tennessee Titans. He's allowed one sack and nine pressures in three games. Pole is in for a long evening with Broncos star pass rusher Nik Bonitto, who has 12.5 sacks this year.