Top 5 Must-Watch NFL Christmas Day Games for 2026 Schedule

The NFL schedule for 2026 will be released this month, and with it comes a new holiday tradition: Christmas Day games. The league, never one to shy away from expanding its footprint, is adding three games on December 25, 2026—a Friday. Here are five matchups fans are hoping to see fill the holiday slate.

Why Christmas Day NFL Games Are a Holiday Must

The NFL’s decision to claim Christmas Day is a win for fans craving more football. After dominating Thanksgiving, the league is now encroaching on the NBA’s holiday turf. With three games scheduled, the day promises high-stakes drama, divisional rivalries, and potential playoff implications. Here’s what we’re hoping to see:

1. Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

Few rivalries burn as hot as Bears vs. Packers. The tension escalated last season under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who wasted no time stoking the flames with comments about Packers coach Matt LaFleur. The two teams played three one-score games in 2025, including a playoff matchup, with intensity reaching a boiling point. A Christmas Day showdown would be the perfect holiday gift for fans of bitter divisional feuds. Expect a physical, weather-dependent game with major playoff ramifications.

2. Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

This NFC West clash could decide the division and serve as a playoff preview. Last season, the Rams and Seahawks were two of the NFL’s best teams, with their NFC Championship Game far more competitive than the Super Bowl. Three of their matchups were decided by a combined seven points, proving how evenly matched they are. A Christmas Day faceoff would add another chapter to this budding rivalry and could shape the playoff landscape.

3. Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Another divisional battle, this one features two MVP-caliber quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. Beyond the QB duel, former Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson—now with the Ravens—would face his old team in a game that could swing on weather and playoff positioning. The Ravens and Bengals are perennial contenders, making this a must-watch holiday matchup.

4. San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers

For a non-divisional game, this West Coast showdown would be a perfect nightcap. Jim Harbaugh returns to face his former team, the 49ers, in a game that could have major playoff implications for both franchises. With both teams expected to contend in their respective conferences, this primetime matchup would deliver national exposure and holiday football at its finest.

5. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs

While this game may not carry the same playoff weight as the others, it’s a rivalry with built-in drama. The Raiders and Chiefs have battled fiercely in recent years, and a Christmas Day showdown would give fans an early gift. Even without major implications, the matchup promises excitement, especially with Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs.

When Will the 2026 NFL Schedule Be Released?

The full 2026 NFL schedule is expected to drop this month. Fans can expect the Christmas Day games to be announced alongside the rest of the slate. With three games scheduled for December 25, 2026, the NFL is ensuring football fans have a reason to celebrate the holidays—on and off the field.