Christmas NFL games are back for a fifth consecutive year in 2024. It’s also the fourth consecutive season with multiple games on the holiday and the second in a row to feature both the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
The Ravens and Chiefs are on the road on Dec. 25 to take on AFC opponents. Kansas City will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening game, while Baltimore heads to Texas later in the afternoon to face the Houston Texans in a rematch of the 2023 divisional round matchup.
Here’s what to know about the two Christmas NFL games kicking off on Wednesday:
Christmas NFL games 2024
Both of this year’s Christmas NFL games are potential previews for AFC playoff matchups.
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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Venue: Acrisure Stadium
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix
Channel: Local CBS affiliate (Pittsburgh, Kansas City markets ONLY)
Since Christmas falls on a Wednesday this year, all four of the competing teams will play on Saturday in Week 16 in order to get an extra day of rest.
The Chiefs will be coming off a game against the Texans that could push them one step closer to clinching the AFC’s No. 1 seed if they win. For the Steelers, a Saturday win over the Ravens would give them the head-to-head sweep they need to clinch the AFC North title.
When Kansas City and Pittsburgh face off on Christmas, it’s possible the only thing at stake will be the Steelers’ seeding. However, it’s also possible that – with a Week 16 loss – Pittsburgh will need a victory Wednesday to avoid losing ground in the division race if the Ravens win later in the day.
Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens
Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: NRG Stadium
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Streaming: Netflix
Channel: Local CBS affiliate (Houston, Baltimore markets ONLY)
This game has more potential seeding implications.
The Texans have already clinched the AFC South title but could be pushing for a better playoff position on Christmas, pending some other results around the league in Week 16 and the outcome of the Chiefs-Steelers game.
If the Ravens lose in Week 16, their Dec. 25 matchup might be the final thing they need to secure a postseason spot. But if they beat the Steelers on Saturday, both Christmas clashes will have big implications for the AFC North title race with just one week left to play.