The NFL Runs Into a Tough Christmas Against the NBA
While the NBA reinforces its historic grip on December 25 with star power and marquee matchups, the NFL faces a Christmas slate weakened by eliminations, injuries, and backup quarterbacks.
An unexpected turn for the NFL on Christmas Day
The Christmas sports landscape in the United States has taken an unexpected turn. After the NFL managed to outdraw the NBA in ratings in 2024, the outlook for 2025 is very different. Last year, the presence of Patrick Mahomes with the Kansas City Chiefs, combined with high-profile games like Steelers vs. Chiefs and Ravens vs. Texans, delivered record-breaking viewership numbers.
This season, the league attempted a similar strategy by leaning on powerhouse brands such as the Dallas Cowboys and the Chiefs, but circumstances did not unfold as planned. Several of the teams scheduled for Christmas no longer carry competitive relevance, significantly dampening the appeal of the slate.
Injuries, eliminations, and a ratings concern
The most significant blow for the NFL was the injury to Patrick Mahomes, who was sidelined with a torn ligament. Compounding the issue, four of the six teams playing on Christmas Day — the Commanders, Cowboys, Vikings, and Chiefs — have already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, enter the day with only a six percent chance of qualifying.
The quarterback situation further clouds the picture. Three of those teams will be forced to start their third-string signal callers. Josh Johnson will lead the Commanders following injuries to Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota; Max Brosmer steps in for the Vikings after J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz were ruled out; and Chris Oladokun will run the offense for the Chiefs due to the absences of Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. For casual viewers, it is far from a compelling product.
The NBA seizes the opportunity
As the NFL navigates a compromised Christmas schedule, the NBA is well-positioned to capitalize. After a difficult 2024 in terms of ratings, the league is once again leaning heavily on its biggest stars. Names like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Stephen Curry, Victor Wembanyama, Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Anthony Edwards headline a lineup built for global appeal.
The matchups reinforce that strategy: New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets. Each game offers star power, competitive intrigue, and postseason overtones.
Christmas belongs to the NBA — again
For decades, the NBA has made December 25 a cornerstone of its identity. In 2025, with the NFL weakened by injuries and eliminated teams, basketball appears poised to reclaim momentum in the battle for holiday audiences. Once again, Christmas looks set to favor a league that combines tradition, health, and star-driven storytelling.
