Last year’s Christmas NFL games had some excitement, even if the actual matches weren’t great. This year, however, the lineup feels a bit underwhelming.
The first game features the Cowboys against the Commanders. Both teams are already out of playoff contention, and the Cowboys are starting a 39-year-old third-string quarterback, Josh Johnson. The shine of “America’s Team” doesn’t seem to matter much when the stakes are so low.
Next up, the Lions are barely clinging to playoff hopes against the Vikings. The Vikings are starting a rookie, Max Brosmer, who has only one previous start — a rough 26-0 loss in Seattle.
The night game brings the Chiefs, but they look very different. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is out, as is his backup. The Chiefs will rely on Chris Oladokun and Shane Buechele to lead the charge. Meanwhile, the Broncos, boasting a strong 12-3 record, are pegged as 13.5-point favorites. This game is historic too; it’s the first match at Arrowhead Stadium since the team’s recent move to Kansas was announced.
Despite the expectations, viewer interest might lag. As the NFL tries to spin the numbers positively, recent stats show a drop in live sports viewership across the board. In a recent survey, 42% of fans reported feeling less excited about the NFL this season compared to last. This trend mirrors shifts in how audiences engage with sports, with many opting for streaming highlights over live games.
While these matchups might attract some viewers, especially die-hard fans, it’s possible the NBA games scheduled on the same day could give the NFL a run for its money.
In a time where entertainment choices are vast, will Christmas NFL games still hold their spot in holiday traditions? Only time will tell. For more on recent sports viewership trends, check out this report from Nielsen.
