Your Christmas wish list just got a little longer. For the second year in a row, Netflix is the exclusive home for the NFL’s holiday doubleheader, and this Thursday’s slate offers a mix of desperate playoff pushes and bitter division rivalries.
The spotlight is firmly on the Detroit Lions, who travel to Minnesota fighting for their postseason lives. A win keeps them in the hunt, while the Vikings would love nothing more than to play Grinch against their division rivals. Before that, the Cowboys and Commanders square off in a classic NFC East grudge match where pride (and perhaps job security) is the only thing on the line.
Whether you’re already a subscriber or need a last-minute reason to sign up, here’s everything you need to know to stream the NFL on Netflix this Christmas.
2025 Netflix NFL Christmas Day schedule
For the 2025 NFL season, Netflix will get two Christmas Day games featuring four NFC teams, three of which had winning records last year. Both games also headline a full slate of college football bowls and NFL games over Christmas week.
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders
The Cowboys didn’t have a great 2024 season, but they’ve got a new coach in Brian Schottenheimer. After missing the playoffs last year, Dallas looks to get back to their winning ways.
The Commanders, on the other hand, lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs last season. The squad is hungry and will look to feast on whoever is in its path—Christmas spirit be damned.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Netflix will close out the Christmas NFL games slate with a matchup between two NFC North teams with a combined 29–5 record last season.
The Lions won the division by the skin of their teeth, finishing a mere one game better than the Vikings in the 2024 division standings. That’s what makes this Christmas Day matchup even juicier—the added playoff implications for each team.
So after you’re done opening presents Christmas morning, be sure to tune in for what should be an extra present in his high-level NFL game.
Heads up! Because Christmas falls on a Thursday this year, Amazon Prime Video still holds the rights to the nightcap. After the Netflix doubleheader wraps up, switch apps to catch the Denver Broncos at the Kansas City Chiefs, kicking off at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Watch Netflix NFL Christmas Day games for free
Netflix doesn’t offer free trials, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be out of options if you want to watch Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL games for free. Anyone in the Dallas, Detroit, Twin Cities, or Washington, D.C. areas can watch the local team’s game for free on broadcast TV. Here’s a list of the local channels showing each game:
- Commanders–Cowboys: WUSA 9 (CBS – Washington, D.C.), KTVT 11 (CBS – Fort Worth/Dallas)
- Vikings–Lions: WCCO-TV 4 (CBS – Twin Cities), WWJ-TV 62 (CBS – Detroit)
If you don’t have TV service, you can pick up local channels by installing an over-the-air antenna on your TV or getting a free trial of a service like DIRECTV or Fubo. The two games will also be available on mobile devices with an NFL+ subscription.
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How to watch Netflix NFL Christmas games FAQ
Can you watch the NFL on Netflix?
You can watch the NFL on Netflix on Christmas Day. In 2025, two games will stream on Netflix. The Dallas Cowboys visit the Washington Commanders at 1:00 p.m. ET, and the Detroit Lions face the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Does Netflix show NFL games?
Yes, Netflix signed up to show the NFL’s Christmas Day games for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 NFL seasons. The three-year deal is costing Netflix at least $150 million per season.
What times are Netflix’s Christmas NFL games?
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders will be at 1:00 p.m. ET, and Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings will be at 4:30 p.m. ET on Netflix.
Who's performing during Netflix's NFL halftime show?
Following last year's "Beyonce Bowl," Snoop Dogg will headline Netflix's NFL halftime show on Christmas Day. Snoop's Holiday Halftime Party will stream live during the Vikings–Lions game's halftime, which you can expect around 6:00 p.m. ET.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Internet Editor, Eric Chiu, researched Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day game schedule and verified matchups, kickoff times, and broadcast details with official league sources. He also analyzed local broadcasts and NFL+ coverage to ensure fans stay informed with all viewing options this holiday season.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
