Christmas Day in Sports NBA Vs NFL
- Harrison Soep
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
Christmas Day has become one of the most anticipated days in sports. As someone who has attended multiple Celtics Christmas games, it's a blast. The NBA and NFL are competing for fans’ interest. For many years the NBA dominated the holiday with its advertising, the special Christmas jerseys, and exciting matchups. However in recent years the NFL has started to schedule its own games on Christmas.
In 2020 the NFL scheduled its first Christmas game since 2017. Making a tradition to have at least one game on Christmas every year. This has received massive success, in 2023 it drew 29.6 million viewers between the Raiders and Chiefs, making it the second most watched NFL Christmas game. Then in 2024 the NFL and Netflix signed a three year contract where Netflix broadcasts the Christmas games. Dean College Senior Jason Wilson who is a NBA fan on campus weighed in on the NBA Vs NFL on Christmas. “The NBA Christmas games have always been a staple with sports and holidays similar to football being on Thanksgiving. Though one thing for sure is that the NBA always wants to put on a master class of teams for the Christmas Day lineup four out of the five games are all playoff contenders with hot starts to the season this year. Subtracting the Mavericks though they could find some fire later on in the chills of winter.”
Jason also added insight into what fans should watch “Cavs Knicks will be probably the most even matchup between teams that could end up being a preview playoff matchup. Though I think Lakers Rockets will be a truly interesting game. The Rockets seem like a powerhouse this year. The Lakers look to have found their footing. This could also be a preview to playoffs but the main story here is can Luka’s Magic outdo the Rockets offensive barrage and the story of this could be LeBron’s last Christmas. There is a lot to unpack though I think all of these games will be entertaining nonetheless.”
Other students on campus had shorter quick reactions about the holiday games. Junior Natalie Zona said that she prefers watching the NFL over the NBA on Christmas. Sophomore Emily Bell prefers the NBA over the NFL on Christmas and is looking forward to Spurs Vs Thunder.
Even with the mixed reactions. It's clear that Christmas has become a major day in the sports world. While the NBA brings tradition, star power, and intense matchups. The NFL brings classic rivalries, national attention and most importantly playoff implications as we get closer to playoffs.
NFL Christmas Game Matchups
Dallas Cowboys Vs Washington Commanders: While the Commanders season ddin’t go as planed. The Cowboys are pushing for a playoff spot even if there playoff probability is low.
Detroit Lions Vs Minnesota Vikings: Last time these two teams played it was a thriller with the Vikings picking up the win 27-24. Lions are still competing for that NFC North title and are in the hunt for a wild card.
Denver Broncos Vs Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are looking to make the playoffs as they are still in the hunt. Meanwhile Denver lead the AFC West and is 2nd in the AFC.
NBA Christmas Game Matchups
Cleveland Cavaliers Vs New York Knicks: Knicks have played the most on Christmas with this game being there 58th. New York defeated Cleveland on opening night this year. The two teams are making a strong playoff push.
San Antonio Spurs Vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Thunder the best team in the league taking on the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama is expected to be back by Christmas Day as he is dealing with a left calf strain.
Dallas Mavericks Vs Golden State Warriors: While the Mavericks are struggling, No 1 Pick Cooper Flagg will make his Christmas Day debut against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers: Lebron James will play in his 20th career Christmas game against Houston. Both teams are neck and neck in the Western Conference standings.
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs Denver Nuggets: This will be their third game between the two teams as Denver knocked off Minnesota twice. Nikola Jokic currently leads the NBA in assists and rebounds per game while both Jokic and Edwards average 30 points per game.
Both the NFL and NBA have huge playoff indicators. Making the matchups for this year's games to be exciting and they have lots of star power. Regardless, it's all personal preference and fans will have many options this Christmas!
