What is the NFL schedule over the holidays?

The league has taken advantage of an opportunity, and the Christmas schedule 2023 is filled with high-profile games featuring teams that are likely to make the playoffs. However, there will be a scheduling conflict on Saturday of Week 16, as seven NCAA Bowl Games are scheduled for the same day as both college and professional games.

Christmas Schedule 2023

Saturday, December 23

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET/ 1:30 p.m. PT

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to face each other in an important game, as both teams need a win to stay in the AFC Wildcard race.

In their last encounter, quarterback Jake Browning’s first start after Joe Burrow was ruled out for the season, the Steelers came out with a victory. However, Browning has since improved, settling in much better. On the other hand, the Bengals have won three consecutive games, with their offense looking impressive throughout this period.

In contrast, the Steelers’ offense has struggled of late, with Kenny Pickett struggling after the abovementioned game before getting injured and being replaced by Mason Rudolph, who also struggled. Unfortunately, the Steelers will have to start this game with Rudolph at quarterback.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills

Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/ 5:15 p.m. PT

Buffalo has had a tough first half of the season, but they have recently been playing like the Super Bowl contenders they were expected to be. They secured another win against a playoff contender, the Dallas Cowboys. The Bills played well from the start of the contest and demonstrated how dangerous they could be if they continue to perform well late in the season.

The Chargers have had a terrible season, and it reached a new low last week after they lost to the Las Vegas Raiders by a score of 63-0. Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired, leaving Los Angeles with little to play for the rest of the season except to see where they land in the draft.

Sunday, December 24

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET/ 10:00 a.m. PT

The Kansas City Chiefs, with a record of 9-5, are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) in an important AFC West match at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day. Both teams are in the playoff hunt, with the Chiefs in a more favorable position. Led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have had a season marked by offensive brilliance and occasional struggles connecting with receivers. Despite these challenges, Mahomes’ ability to make game-changing plays has kept the Chiefs in a strong position. The team’s depth at receiver and overall offensive strategy will be crucial in this matchup. The Raiders have experienced an up-and-down season, with inconsistency and injuries, particularly to key players like Josh Jacobs, hindering their season. However, their recent explosive performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, scoring a franchise-record 63 points, highlighted their potential. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s performance will be one to watch in this game.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET/ 1:30 p.m. PT

The New York Giants will head to Philadelphia on Christmas Day to face off against the struggling Eagles in an NFC East showdown. The Giants have a 5-9 record this season and have all but been eliminated from the playoffs. On the other hand, the Eagles have a 10-4 overall record and are still on top of the NFC East, but have lost three consecutive games, with the latest being a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. This will be the first of two matches between the two teams in the season’s last three weeks.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens

Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/ 5:15 p.m. PT

Two of the best football teams in the league, representing the AFC and NFC, will play against each other to finish off a fantastic Christmas football weekend. The game on Monday night will be between the AFC-leading Ravens (11-3) and the NFC-leading 49ers (11-3). This game might preview the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February. Baltimore and San Francisco are the two favorites to play in Las Vegas. According to the projections, the 49ers have a 60.2 percent chance, while the Ravens have a 37.9 percent chance. In the upcoming game, the Ravens will need every bit of their defense against San Francisco, who boasts the third-highest scoring total in the NFL. Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey are all top-10 at their positions in terms of yardage. They’ll be up against linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who are among the league leaders in sacks and tackles. The record of both teams is 11-3, and Baltimore won the last time they met in 2019, a 20-17 victory for the Ravens in a game where Jackson threw for just 105 yards but rushed for 101.