Many football fans wonder whether the Kansas City Chiefs schedule games on Christmas Day. The NFL has specific rules about holiday matchups, and the Chiefs are impacted if they qualify for the playoffs or hold prime-time status during the holiday window.
This overview explains how the regular season, playoffs, and television contracts interact to determine whether the Chiefs actually play on December 25. Understanding these factors makes it easier to follow their yearly Christmas Day chances.
| Season Period | Typical Christmas Day Status | Chiefs Factors | Outcome Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Regular Season (Week 1–7) | Never scheduled on Christmas | Week 10 in 2023 fell on Thursday, December 7, avoiding the holiday | No Christmas game in early years |
| Late Regular Season (Week 14–18) | Possible if on Thursday night or Sunday night | 2022 season had a Week 16 matchup on Sunday, December 25 | Chiefs played on Christmas in 2022 |
| Playoffs | Divisional round can occur on Christmas if scheduled | 2021 season placed the Divisional round on Saturday, January 15, avoiding Christmas | No Christmas divisional game that year |
| Primetime Windows | Thursday night games can land on Christmas | 2023 Week 13 was on Thursday, December 7, not Christmas | Missed Christmas due to early scheduling |
Christmas Day Regular Season History for the Chiefs
During the regular season, the NFL assigns games to specific days, and Christmas Day only receives Thursday night or Sunday night slots in certain years. The Chiefs only appear on Christmas Day when the league places their late-season matchup on that date and they remain in the schedule.
Historically, the Chiefs have played on Christmas during seasons when their Week 14, 15, or 16 game lands on December 25 and the date is a Thursday or Sunday. When this alignment happens, the game moves to the holiday window instead of a standard Sunday slot.
Key Scheduling Mechanics
The NFL rotates weeks so that Week 17 is rarely fixed, and the exact date of Christmas determines whether a late-season game coincides with the holiday. The team’s division rivals and conference opponents in that late window influence whether a Christmas matchup is feasible.
How the NFL Playoff Structure Affects Christmas Games
Even if the Chiefs finish high enough to reach the playoffs, Christmas Day itself does not automatically host a playoff game. The league schedules the Divisional and Conference Championship rounds based on a fixed rotation, which can push those rounds away from December 25.
In years when the Divisional round falls on a weekend day close to Christmas, the Chiefs could reach the playoffs without playing on the holiday. The AFC Championship and Super Bowl follow a separate calendar that usually avoids December 25 entirely.
Television Contracts and Prime-Time Rules
Network deals and NFL scheduling policies determine which games air in prime time, and Thursday Night Football often occupies the Christmas Day window when the league wants a marquee contest. The Chiefs appear in these slots based on competitiveness, national interest, and opponent appeal.
If the Chiefs hold a Thursday night slot in a late-season week and that week aligns with December 25, the game moves to the holiday. Competitive seasons with high viewer interest increase the likelihood of such a matchup being selected for the holiday stage.
Final Notes on Christmas Day Scheduling for Kansas City
- Christmas Day games occur only when the NFL places a late-season matchup on December 25.
- Week 14, 15, or 16 alignment with a Thursday or Sunday creates the opportunity.
- Playoff games have not been scheduled on Christmas in the modern era.
- Prime-time slots prioritize high-profile teams like the Chiefs when they are competitive.
- Network decisions and cross-flex rules can change which outlet carries the game.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do the Chiefs ever play on Christmas Day during the regular season?
Yes, when their Week 14, 15, or 16 game falls on a Thursday or Sunday that lands on December 25, the Chiefs will play on Christmas Day as part of the league’s holiday scheduling.
Have the Chiefs ever played a playoff game on Christmas Day?
No, the NFL has never scheduled a Divisional or Championship round game on December 25 in recent years, so the Chiefs have not played a playoff contest on Christmas.
Is it guaranteed that the Chiefs will play if Christmas falls in their late-season window?
No, the game only occurs if the league’s week rotation and their schedule alignment place a contest on that date, subject to network decisions and competitive factors.
What determines whether a Christmas game is shown on NBC, CBS, or Fox?
Network assignment depends on broadcast rights, with Thursday Night Football typically airing on Amazon Prime Video or ESPN, while Sunday games shift based on conference rules and national appeal.