NFL
Why are there three Monday Night Football games on Christmas Day? Who plays today?
The league’s decision to schedule games on Christmas Day has proven to be a successful business strategy, and it is expected to continue in the future.
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The National Football League (NFL) is set to capitalize on the Christmas Day that falls on a Monday by scheduling three games for the second consecutive year. The league has designed two games in the afternoon, followed by a late evening prime-time contest on the same day.
The decision to schedule games on Christmas Day was made after the NFL Vice President of Broadcasting, Mike North, revealed two years ago that the NFL has had a lot of success when Christmas falls on an NFL game day. North also expressed his respect for the NBA and stated that if Christmas falls on a Monday, it makes perfect sense for the NFL because many Americans consider football a traditional holiday family activity.
The NFL has managed to attract a massive audience on Christmas Day, with millions of viewers watching the games.
Who plays today?
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET/ 10:00 a.m. PT
The Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) host the Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) in a crucial AFC West match on Christmas Day. Led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have a potent offense. The Raiders have had an inconsistent season, with injuries hindering their progress. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s performance in this game will be worth watching.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
- Time: 4:30 p.m. ET/ 1:30 p.m. PT
The Giants will face the Eagles on Christmas Day in an NFC East showdown. The Giants are 5-9 and out of playoff contention. With a 10-4 record, the Eagles have lost the last three games. This is the first of two games between the teams in the final three weeks.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET/ 5:15 p.m. PT
On Monday night, the AFC-leading Ravens (11-3) will face off against the NFC-leading 49ers (11-3). This game could preview the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February. The 49ers have a 60.2% chance of winning, while the Ravens have a 37.9% chance. The Raven’s defense will be tested against San Francisco, which has the third-highest scoring total in the NFL. The game features top players from both teams, including Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, and Christian McCaffrey, against Roquan Smith and Justin Madubuike. Both teams have 11-3 records, and in their last meeting in 2019, the Ravens won 20-17.