NFL
Which NFL teams have never played on Christmas Day? Which teams have played the most?
As the NFL prepares for two more Christmas games, we take a look back over the history of the league’s Yuletide action.
The NFL has held just 30 Christmas Day games since the league first added a Yuletide matchup to its calendar in 1971. Traditionally, pro football has only been played intermittently on the December 25 - but in recent years, it has developed into a more regular occurrence.
Until 2021, there had never been Christmas action in more than three consecutive seasons; 2024, however, will be the fifth year in a row to feature games on the 25th.
Which team has played the most Christmas games?
Not all teams have been lucky enough (or unlucky, depending on one’s perspective) to have played in these special holiday games. Quite a number have never participated in the NFL Christmas celebrations, while some teams have been on the field several times.
The franchise that has brought its fans the most Christmas cheer is the Dallas Cowboys, who have played in five games, including the NFL’s first-ever December 25 clash 53 years ago, against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are next on the list, as one of seven teams to have played four games on Christmas Day. The Minnesotans are tied with the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals.
The Chiefs will move level with the Cowboys this year, when the back-to-back Super Bowl champions face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their second successive Christmas Day run-out.
Which teams have never played on December 25?
After the New York Giants played their first Christmas Day game in 2023, there are seven NFL teams left that have not had the chance to entertain their fans at Christmas time.
Teams still waiting for Dec 25 debut - full list
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
- Washington Commanders
NFL Christmas Day games 2024: when, where, how to watch?
On Christmas Day 2024, there are two NFL games. The Chiefs visit the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET, before the Ravens and the Texans meet at NRG Stadium at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Baltimore vs Houston clash will feature a special halftime performance by 32-time Grammy winner Beyoncé, who is a native of the Texas city.
You can watch all the action on Netflix, on CBS in the cities of the teams involved, and on NFL+ on mobile devices. You can stream the local CBS coverage on the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free introductory trial.
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