The holiday season is upon us, and sports fans have plenty to be excited about as the NBA and NFL go head-to-head with their marquee Christmas Day games. From the star-studded matchups in the NBA to the classic rivalries renewed in the NFL, this year's Christmas slate is shaping up to be one for the ages.
NBA Brings the Firepower
The NBA has always made Christmas Day a showcase for the league's top talent, and 2025 is no exception. Headlining the action is a heavyweight clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks, two of the preseason favorites in the Eastern Conference. Fans will be treated to a duel between superstar guards Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson as they look to set the tone in this potential playoff preview.
But the excitement doesn't stop there. The defending champion San Antonio Spurs and their prized rookie Victor Wembanyama will look to take down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors face off against the Dallas Mavericks and rising star Cooper Flagg.
NFL Delivers Classic Matchups
The NFL is also getting in on the Christmas action, offering a trio of games that are sure to captivate audiences. In the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys will travel to Washington to renew their bitter rivalry with the Redskins. Over in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions will head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in a clash of two teams vying for playoff positioning.
The nightcap will feature an AFC West showdown as the Denver Broncos head to Kansas City to face the Chiefs. With Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson leading their respective offenses, this game has the potential to be an offensive explosion.
The Bigger Picture
What this Christmas Day slate really represents is the league's ongoing battle for the hearts and minds of sports fans. The NBA and NFL have long jockeyed for position, each trying to claim the spotlight on the biggest occasions. This year, they've both assembled a lineup of must-see matchups that will have fans glued to their screens from noon until the final seconds tick off the clock.
The real winners, of course, will be the fans who get to enjoy this smorgasbord of elite-level competition. Whether you bleed NBA or NFL colors, there's something for everyone on Christmas Day 2025.