Nate Davis, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY
Was the NFL’s Christmas Day offering a present worth keeping? That depends on what you were hoping for. There’s no question that the four teams featured on Wednesday’s doubleheader deserved their spots on the holiday stage, all headed for the playoffs next month. The games were certainly important, with the Kansas City Chiefs securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens took control of the AFC North with a 31-2 win over the Houston Texans. Yet, with neither game being particularly close – and both teams having played only four days earlier in different matchups – some viewers might have felt they were handed a gift they didn’t really want.
Still, there was significant fallout from this holiday doubleheader. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from the NFL Christmas slate:
WINNERS
Travis Kelce
Kelce had an impressive performance, surpassing 1,000 career receptions on Wednesday. He joined Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten as the only tight ends to reach this milestone. Kelce also caught his 77th career touchdown pass, breaking a tie with Gonzalez for the most in Chiefs history. After his touchdown, Kelce honored Gonzalez with a goalpost dunk celebration—a gesture that was allowed in Gonzalez’s day but now draws a flag.
The Eagles (Not Philadelphia)
Could father-son duo Ian and Noah Eagle become the next broadcasting legends? While it’s still early, both play-by-play announcers shone on Christmas Day. Ian worked the Pittsburgh game, while Noah was in Houston, each providing smooth, informative commentary. Ian, at 55, might not be a Super Bowl broadcaster, but he’s gaining more recognition late in his career. Meanwhile, Noah, 28, seems poised for a bright future and could rise to the top as older announcers retire.
Beyoncé and Mariah Carey
These two iconic entertainers had major moments on Christmas Day. Mariah Carey’s pre-recorded rendition of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” aired before both games, while Beyoncé performed a stunning halftime show in Houston. She brought out a mix of her hits, adding to the holiday excitement and giving the Texans’ fans something to cheer for.
Xavier Worthy
The Chiefs’ rookie receiver set a new personal best with eight receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown on Christmas. With nine touchdowns on the year, he’s tied for the most among rookie players. After a slow start, Worthy has emerged as a key weapon for the Chiefs’ offense, though his holiday touchdown celebration, which mimicked a holstered gun, led to a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Ravens Defense
While much of the focus on the Ravens centers on QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry, the team’s defense has been a major factor in their resurgence. Since a Week 14 bye, the Ravens have allowed only 33 points, thanks to rookie DC Zach Orr’s leadership and standout performances from S Kyle Hamilton and LB Kyle Van Noy. Baltimore’s defense is now a force to be reckoned with in the playoff race.
Denver Broncos
Broncos fans had a tough time rooting for the Chiefs, but Kansas City’s victory made it likely that the Chiefs will rest their key players in their regular-season finale against Denver. This gives the Broncos a glimmer of hope to end the NFL‘s second-longest active playoff drought.
Netflix
Wednesday marked Netflix’s regular-season NFL debut, and the broadcast went off without many issues, which was a relief after their struggles during last month’s Jake Paul-Mike Tyson “fight.” The smooth execution of Wednesday’s games bodes well for Netflix’s future involvement with the NFL, possibly paving the way for an annual Christmas Day broadcast package.
J.J. Watt
After retiring from football, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt has transitioned smoothly into broadcasting. His performance as an in-game analyst was well-received, showcasing his insight, humor, and ability to work seamlessly in a three-man booth.
Lamar Jackson’s MVP Campaign
While Lamar Jackson’s MVP candidacy is still up in the air, his performance on Christmas Day could push him into the forefront of the race. He threw two touchdowns and ran for another, helping the Ravens reclaim the AFC North lead. With Jackson now the NFL‘s all-time leader in career rushing yards for a quarterback, his MVP case is gaining momentum, especially as the Ravens become a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.
NFL Fans
For those who can’t get enough football, Christmas Day NFL action was a treat. Whether you were caught up in fantasy football championships or simply enjoying pro football on a holiday, the NFL’s Christmas presence looks like it’s here to stay, with future holiday games in the works.
LOSERS
NFL Players
The Steelers, Texans, Chiefs, and Ravens all played three games in 11 days, a grueling schedule that doesn’t align with the NFL‘s player safety narrative. The quick turnaround, especially in such a critical part of the season, could take a toll on player recovery before Week 18. It’s worth considering whether the NFL will rethink this scheduling practice in the future.
T.J. Watt
The Steelers’ star pass rusher is dealing with both an ankle injury and a thumb issue, which could explain his recent struggles. Watt has been largely invisible in the last two games, and with Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes slipping, it’s concerning that their best defensive player is far from 100%.
Netflix
While Netflix’s broadcast was largely successful, it still relies heavily on NFL Network’s infrastructure and broadcast talent. If Netflix hopes to compete with other streaming platforms like Prime Video for more regular-season games, they’ll need to prove they can handle the logistics and production of a full NFL season.
AFC Pretenders
The Chiefs’ victory is deflating for other AFC teams vying for playoff spots. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Broncos, Steelers, and Chargers now have slim chances of toppling Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Bengals, Colts, and Dolphins face long odds of making the playoffs after Kansas City’s win, further diminishing their hopes for a postseason berth.
Russell Wilson
Though it wasn’t as disastrous as his Christmas performance last year, Russell Wilson’s struggles in the Broncos’ loss were evident. His first-quarter interception and a season-low 5.5 yards per attempt highlight his continuing issues. As both Wilson and the Steelers face uncertain futures, it’s clear that Wilson’s performance is under scrutiny.
Steelers
The Steelers’ holiday woes have cost them dearly, as they’ve gone from 10-3 to 10-6. What was once a team with hopes for the AFC’s No. 1 seed is now fighting just to make the playoffs. With quarterback play deteriorating and no clear answers for next season, Pittsburgh’s future is uncertain.
C.J. Stroud
Houston’s quarterback, C.J. Stroud, struggled on Christmas Day, particularly without key receivers Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. His performance included mistakes like holding onto the ball too long and throwing an interception, which hurt his team’s chances. As the Texans limp into the playoffs, Stroud’s inconsistencies remain a point of concern.
Jerry Jones
While Houston is thriving with a promising future, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has seen his team overshadowed by the Texans, especially with Beyoncé’s halftime show in Houston. The spotlight was firmly on the Texans, while the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving performance felt less memorable in comparison.
NBA
The NBA’s Christmas Day matchups used to draw significant attention, but this year, the Spurs-Knicks game failed to capture much interest. It seems the NFL’s Christmas Day dominance has overshadowed the NBA’s once-thriving holiday tradition.
