NFL Christmas Day Games: Picks, Odds, Full Schedule & How to Watch

As the 2025 NFL season enters its final stretch, football fans are preparing for one of the biggest holiday gifts on the calendar: a massive Christmas Day tripleheader. This year, the league has partnered with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to deliver three high-stakes matchups with playoff implications.

Below, we break down the full NFL Christmas Day games and schedule, and look at the odds from BetMGM Sportsbook to analyze how those lines stack up against the current reality of the 2025 season.

NFL Christmas Day 2025 Schedule

For the 2025 holiday slate, the NFL has scheduled three games spread across the afternoon and evening. The first two games will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, marking a major shift in holiday broadcasting, while the nightcap remains on Amazon Prime Video.

NFL Christmas Day Early Odds and Picks

Odds courtesy of BetMGM. Lines are lookahead projections for Week 17 and subject to change. Find more details about the sports betting promos you can claim at BetMGM in our BetMGM Sportsbook review.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders

• Projected Spread: Cowboys -5.5

• Projected Total: 46.5

• Moneyline: Cowboys -240 | Commanders +195

The Commanders (3-10) have been in freefall since October, plagued by defensive inconsistencies and turnover issues. With eyes already turning toward the 2026 draft, Washington plays the role of spoiler. The Cowboys (7-6), however, are in "must-win" mode.

Sitting precariously in the NFC Wild Card race, Dallas cannot afford to drop a game against a bottom-feeder, especially with the Eagles pulling away in the NFC East.

Betting Angle: The market has adjusted heavily here. In the summer, Washington was the favorite; today, they are nearly touchdown underdogs at home. Dak Prescott has historically feasted on the NFC East, and with Washington’s secondary allowing big plays (ranking 28th in EPA/pass since Week 10), Dallas should be able to score enough to cover. The motivation gap is simply too wide to ignore.

• Pick: Cowboys -5.5

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

• Projected Spread: Lions -4.0

• Projected Total: 50.5

• Moneyline: Lions -190 | Vikings +160

The NFC North has been a gauntlet. The Bears have surprisingly surged to first place, leaving the Lions (9-4) fighting to reclaim the division crown. Detroit has hit a stumbling block recently, dropping two of their last three, but their offense remains lethal indoors. The Vikings (5-8) are clinging to mathematical playoff hopes, but their defense has cratered in the second half of the season, struggling to contain mobile quarterbacks and play-action schemes.

Betting Angle: This total of 50.5 screams "over." Both teams are playing fast indoors, and neither defense has been elite over the last month. While Detroit has been shaky against the spread (ATS) on the road recently, their offensive firepower matches up perfectly against Minnesota's secondary. The Lions need this win to keep pace with Chicago; expect them to treat this like a playoff game.

• Pick: Over 50.5

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

• Projected Spread: Broncos -2.5

• Projected Total: 43.5

• Moneyline: Broncos -135 | Chiefs +115

If you predicted in August that the Broncos would be road favorites at Arrowhead in December, you would have been laughed out of the room. Yet, here we are. The Broncos (11-2) are the story of the 2025 season, boasting the league's No. 1 scoring defense and a surprisingly efficient offense. They have "taken the captaincy" of the AFC West. The Chiefs (6-7), conversely, are in unfamiliar territory: below .500 in December with an offense that lacks its usual explosiveness.

Betting Angle: The books are showing the Chiefs respect solely on pedigree. If this were a neutral field, Denver might be -6. The Broncos -2.5 is a tempting trap, but the smarter play is the total. Denver's defense travels well, and Kansas City's offense has struggled to score 20 points consistently since November. Expect a grind-it-out, physical game where Denver relies on its defense to strangle the Chiefs' playoff hopes.

• Pick: Under 43.5

How to Watch NFL Christmas Day Games on Netflix and Prime Video

This year's holiday broadcast setup is unique. Here is what you need to know to avoid a scramble at kickoff:

1. Netflix (Game 1 & 2): The Cowboys/Commanders and Lions/Vikings games are exclusive to Netflix. You must have an active subscription. The stream can be accessed on any smart TV, phone, or tablet with the Netflix app.

2. Prime Video (Game 3): The Broncos/Chiefs nightcap is on Amazon Prime Video. It will also be broadcast on over-the-air stations in the local Denver and Kansas City markets, but for the rest of the country, you need Prime.

3. No Cable Required: None of these games are on ESPN, NBC, or CBS (nationally).

Final Thoughts for Sports Bettors

• Weather Watch: While Detroit and Minnesota are indoors, keep an eye on the forecast for Landover (Cowboys/Commanders) and Kansas City (Broncos/Chiefs). Early forecasts for Kansas City suggest temperatures in the teens, which favors the Under and the Broncos' ground game.

• Motivation Factor: In Week 17, motivation is the biggest variable. Dallas and Detroit are desperate for positioning; Washington is playing for pride. Factor this into your handicapping, especially regarding second-half spread bets.