what nfl games are on december 24th

Always Online

3 min read

·

03-12-2024

8

0

Share

What NFL Games Are On December 24th? A Look at Christmas Eve Football

Christmas Eve, a day typically associated with family gatherings, gift-wrapping, and the anticipation of Christmas Day, has, in recent years, increasingly become a day for NFL football. While the league doesn't always schedule games on December 24th, when it does, it often provides a unique and exciting way to celebrate the holiday season for football fans. This article will delve into the history of Christmas Eve NFL games, explore the factors influencing scheduling decisions, and ultimately, provide you with definitive information on which NFL games, if any, will be airing on December 24th of the current year (and subsequent years, as the information becomes available).

The Tradition (or Lack Thereof) of Christmas Eve Football:

Unlike Thanksgiving, which is a long-standing tradition featuring NFL games as a staple of the holiday, Christmas Eve's presence on the NFL schedule is much less consistent. The league often prioritizes the Christmas Day games, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a primetime showcase of top matchups. Scheduling games on December 24th involves a complex balancing act. The league needs to consider:

• Player availability and rest: The grueling NFL season takes a toll on players. Scheduling a game on Christmas Eve might mean less rest for players before the final stretch of the season or potentially even impact their availability for Christmas Day games.

• Television ratings and audience: While Christmas Eve offers a built-in audience of people looking for entertainment, the competition for viewership is fierce, with other holiday programming and family gatherings vying for attention. The NFL needs to carefully assess whether a game on this date will garner sufficient ratings to justify the scheduling.

• Travel logistics: Games on Christmas Eve can present logistical challenges for teams, particularly those traveling long distances. The league must carefully manage travel arrangements to minimize disruption and ensure player well-being.

• Fan attendance: Many fans might have prior commitments on Christmas Eve, potentially leading to lower stadium attendance compared to other game days. This factor needs to be weighed against the potential for a larger television audience.

Predicting the Christmas Eve NFL Schedule:

Unfortunately, predicting the exact NFL schedule for December 24th of any given year well in advance is difficult. The NFL typically releases its complete schedule in the spring or early summer. Factors such as team performance in the previous season, potential playoff implications, and television broadcasting contracts all play a role in the final schedule. To find out definitively which games, if any, are scheduled for December 24th of a specific year, you should consult the official NFL website or reputable sports news sources closer to the date.

Historical Context:

While not a yearly occurrence, there have been instances where the NFL has scheduled games on Christmas Eve. These games often featured prominent teams or rivalries, aiming to capitalize on the holiday's unique atmosphere. Looking back at previous years' schedules can provide some insight, but it's crucial to understand that this is not a reliable predictor of future scheduling decisions. The NFL's approach to Christmas Eve games remains fluid and dependent on various factors mentioned earlier.

The Future of Christmas Eve NFL Games:

The future of Christmas Eve football remains uncertain. While the possibility of games on this day continues to exist, the league’s focus on the Christmas Day games suggests that December 24th will likely continue to be a less frequently scheduled game day. The NFL’s decisions will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including player welfare, television viewership, and the overall strategic objectives of the league.

Alternative Christmas Eve Football Viewing:

If no NFL games are scheduled on December 24th of a particular year, fans can still find alternative ways to enjoy football during the holiday season. Many college football bowl games are played around this time, offering exciting matchups and a different flavor of football action. Rewatching classic NFL games or engaging in fantasy football leagues can also provide festive football entertainment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the prospect of watching NFL football on Christmas Eve is exciting for fans, the reality is that this is not a guaranteed yearly event. The NFL's scheduling decisions are complex and based on various factors. The best way to determine which games, if any, will be airing on December 24th of a given year is to consult the official NFL schedule closer to the date. Until then, we can only speculate and eagerly await the release of the upcoming season's schedule. Keep checking back with reliable sources to stay updated on the latest information regarding NFL games scheduled for December 24th. Happy holidays, and may your holiday season be filled with festive cheer – and perhaps even some thrilling football action!