Overview of Christmas NFL Scheduling Tradition
The NFL has long featured games on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, creating a sustained stretch of holiday slate that often includes marquee matchups and primetime windows. The 2023 season continued this tradition, with multiple games spread across both days.
This guide explains when the games occurred, which teams played, how to find the schedules and scores, and what to expect in future holiday slates. The aim is to give you a reliable, evergreen explanation of Christmas NFL games in 2023 and how these annual windows typically work.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Games in 2023
In 2023, the NFL allocated a large portion of the holiday weekend to afternoon and late-afternoon windows, with select games carried into the primetime spotlight. The schedule was designed to balance competitive matchups with viewership across NBC, CBS, Fox, and streaming platforms.
Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day featured nationally televised games, with additional regional contests on the radio and via NFL+ services. The setup offered multiple marquee stories and star players on display during the holiday period.
Notable Matchups and Times
Key games spanned the afternoon into the night, with start times varying by market and network. The slate included classic divisional rivalries and high-profile offenses, ensuring competitive storylines throughout the day.
- Early-afternoon windows on Christmas Eve provided lead-ins to the marquee evening games.
- Christmas Day featured late-afternoon and primetime slots, with flex scheduling allowing marquee matchups to rise to the top.
- Regional games complemented the national slate, ensuring robust coverage across time zones.
2023 Christmas Games: Core Facts at a Glance
The following table summarizes the essential attributes of the Christmas slate in 2023, including date, time windows, networks, and example matchups to illustrate the layout of the holiday schedule.
| Date and Period | Game Time (ET) | Matchup Example | Network / Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 24, 2023 (Christmas Eve) | 1:05 PM | Jets @ Dolphins | CBS | AFC East divisional contest to open the holiday slate |
| December 24, 2023 (Christmas Eve) | 4:25 PM | Ravens @ Steelers | Fox | Early-evening divisional matchup |
| December 24, 2023 (Christmas Eve) | 8:20 PM | Bills @ Chiefs | NBC (PE) | Prime-time flex marquee game |
| December 25, 2023 (Christmas Day) | 1:05 PM | Chargers @ Raiders | CBS | West-division afternoon game |
| December 25, 2023 (Christmas Day) | 4:05 PM | Vikings @ Saints | Fox | Early-evision divisional game |
| December 25, 2023 (Christmas Day) | 8:20 PM | 49ers @ Packers | NBC (PE) | Prime-time rivalry with playoff implications |
How to Follow Scores, Stats, and Highlights
Fans can track Christmas games through television broadcasts, radio, and official league platforms. NFL+ offers out-of-market streaming, while apps and sites provide real-time scores, play-by-play, and postgame analysis.
For in-depth statistics and history, the league’s official site and partner networks serve as authoritative sources. This ensures that whether you’re watching live or catching up, you have access to reliable coverage and context.
Understanding Flex Scheduling on Holiday Weeks
Flex scheduling allows the NFL to adjust primetime windows on Christmas Day to showcase the most compelling matchups based on standings and narrative. This can elevate a divisional game into a national spotlight, enhancing competitive stakes and viewer engagement.
While not all games shift, the possibility of flex ensures that prime slots often feature top teams or emerging storylines, which was evident in several 2023 holiday contests.
Regional and International Availability
Beyond the national windows, regional broadcasts and radio feeds extend coverage to local audiences. International fans may access games through partner networks and streaming services, depending on territory rights.
This multi-platform approach helps the NFL maintain a broad reach during the holiday period, supporting both casual viewers and dedicated fans.
Planning for Future Christmas Schedules
Although specific matchups change each season, the NFL tends to preserve certain traditions: late-afternoon windows on Christmas Eve, a mix of divisional and appealing contests on Christmas Day, and flex games in prime time. Keeping an eye on league announcements in the weeks before the holiday season provides the most reliable preview.
As the league balances competitive integrity and viewership, the Christmas slate is likely to remain a high-profile, stable part of the annual calendar.
Key Takeaways
Christmas NFL games in 2023 offered a robust schedule across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, featuring nationally televised marquee matchups and regional games. Understanding the typical timing, networks, and flexibility helps fans plan viewing and stay engaged with holiday action.
For enduring value, treat this overview as a baseline for future holiday slates, while noting that exact matchups and flex outcomes will evolve season to season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Were there games on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2023? Yes, the NFL scheduled games across both days, with evening marquee windows on Christmas Day.
- How can I find start times for my local market? Check your local listings, the NFL app, or network affiliate schedules for precise local start times.
- Which networks carried the 2023 Christmas games? CBS, Fox, NBC (including Peacock), and radio partners typically aired the holiday slate.
- Can flex scheduling move games on Christmas Day? Yes, flex can shift certain games into primetime to feature higher-stakes matchups.
- Are Christmas games available for out-of-market streaming? Yes, NFL+ and league streaming options often provide access for out-of-market fans.