what nfl teams are playing december 24th

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03-12-2024

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NFL Christmas Eve Games: A Tradition of Gridiron Glory (or Holiday Heartbreak)

Christmas Eve, a day typically associated with twinkling lights, family gatherings, and the anticipation of Santa's arrival, has increasingly become intertwined with the roar of the NFL crowd. While not every year features games on December 24th, the tradition of playing football on the eve of Christmas has gained traction, offering fans a unique blend of holiday cheer and hard-hitting action. This article will delve into the history of Christmas Eve NFL games and explore which teams are scheduled to face off on December 24th, should any games fall on that date in a given year. Since the NFL schedule changes yearly, we will focus on the overarching elements and typical considerations for scheduling these games.

The History of Christmas Eve NFL Games:

The NFL's scheduling decisions are complex, involving a multitude of factors including television contracts, team travel logistics, and competitive balance. While a Christmas Eve game might seem like a logistical nightmare – imagine players rushing from festive family gatherings to the field! – the potential for high viewership makes it a tempting proposition. The holiday season boasts high television ratings generally, and a Christmas Eve game taps into this prime viewing window, offering a unique draw for fans looking for alternative holiday entertainment. The league balances these potential benefits with the needs of players and staff, ensuring ample time for travel and family time whenever possible.

In years past, the presence of Christmas Eve games has been less consistent than other holiday weekends, like Thanksgiving. The decision to play on December 24th comes down to a careful analysis of several factors:

• Television Deals: National broadcast deals often dictate which games are selected for prime-time slots, including potential Christmas Eve games. Networks are eager to secure high viewership for their broadcasts, making a holiday game a lucrative opportunity.

• Team Performance: The league considers team standings and competitive balance when scheduling marquee matchups. A game featuring two high-performing teams, especially those with a significant rivalry, is more likely to be selected for a prime-time Christmas Eve slot.

• Travel Considerations: Scheduling games on Christmas Eve requires careful consideration of travel distances and player welfare. The league works to minimize the burden on teams by strategically choosing matchups that avoid excessively long travel times. Teams potentially facing very long flights, especially across time zones, are generally avoided for Christmas Eve scheduling.

• Player Availability & Morale: The NFL is mindful of the players' personal lives and family commitments. They balance the desire for a high-profile game with the need to respect the holiday season and allow players sufficient time to spend with loved ones. The team's performance can also influence this; a particularly successful team might be offered an earlier game time to accommodate player travel schedules.

Predicting Christmas Eve Matchups:

Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact teams playing on December 24th of any given year requires waiting for the official NFL schedule release, typically happening in the spring. The league carefully crafts the schedule months in advance, considering all the factors mentioned above. However, we can make some general observations:

• Popular Teams: Teams with large fan bases and a history of strong viewership are more likely to be featured in prime-time slots, including potential Christmas Eve games. This often includes teams from major media markets like Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

• Rivalries: Games between long-standing rivals always garner significant interest. A Christmas Eve matchup between such teams would be a highly-anticipated event. Think Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, or Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders – these are the types of games that could potentially grace a Christmas Eve schedule.

• National Appeal: The NFL aims for a mix of games that cater to a national audience. They are unlikely to schedule two games featuring teams from a single geographic area in back-to-back slots, for example, so they ensure a balanced viewing experience across the country.

The Fan Experience:

For football fans, a Christmas Eve NFL game presents a unique and exciting twist on the holiday festivities. While some may opt for the traditional family gathering, others may choose to spend a part of the day cheering on their favorite team. This makes for a memorable blend of holiday traditions and sporting enthusiasm. The atmosphere in stadiums is generally electric, offering a mix of festive holiday spirit and intense football energy.

Conclusion:

While predicting the specific NFL teams playing on December 24th of any given year is impossible without the official schedule release, understanding the factors involved in the decision-making process sheds light on why certain matchups might be chosen. The league carefully weighs television ratings, team performance, travel logistics, and player welfare to create a balanced and exciting schedule, aiming to maximize viewership while respecting the holiday season. For fans, the possibility of a Christmas Eve NFL game offers a unique blend of holiday tradition and gridiron excitement, making for a memorable and potentially unforgettable sporting experience. Be sure to check the official NFL schedule release in the spring to discover the true Christmas Eve matchups.