The NFL is gearing up for an exciting Christmas period with significant changes to its broadcasting and schedule. Fans can expect a thrilling lineup as the league prepares to unveil the dates and times for five key matchups in Week 17, which are currently marked as ‘TBC’ (To Be Confirmed).
Week 17 Matchups and National Broadcasts
Three of the five games will be featured in a special Saturday triple-header on December 28, exclusively on NFL Network. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to catch some high-stakes action as teams battle for playoff positioning. The remaining two games will be played on Sunday, December 29, as part of the regular Sunday schedule, which currently includes seven matchups.
The NFL has a knack for selecting the most impactful games for national broadcasts, and this year is no exception. The standout fixture appears to be the Atlanta Falcons facing off against the Washington Commanders, both of whom are vying for a spot in the NFC playoffs. Will this matchup determine their postseason fate? Fans will be eagerly watching.
Exciting Games to Look Forward To
In addition to the Falcons vs. Commanders showdown, the Arizona Cardinals will take on the Los Angeles Rams, a game that could have significant implications for the NFC West division title. The Denver Broncos will also be in action against the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Los Angeles Chargers face the New England Patriots. Both Denver and Los Angeles are in the playoff hunt in the AFC, making their clash even more critical.
The fifth game features the Indianapolis Colts going head-to-head with the New York Giants. With so much at stake, fans are in for a treat as these teams battle it out for playoff positioning.
Christmas Day Showdown
Week 17 will kick off with a bang on Christmas Day, featuring two exciting games that will be broadcast globally. The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 PM ET, followed by the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Houston Texans at 4:30 PM ET. Adding to the festive atmosphere, superstar Beyonce will perform during the halftime show in her hometown of Houston, Texas. What a way to celebrate the holiday!
For those who enjoy the thrill of Thursday Night Football, the action continues on December 26 with the Seattle Seahawks taking on the Chicago Bears. This matchup promises to be another exciting chapter in the NFL’s holiday schedule.
Looking Ahead to January
As we move into January, Week 18 will also feature a double-header live on ESPN on Saturday, January 4. This will mark the third consecutive Saturday with nationally-televised NFL games, a trend that fans have come to love as the regular season winds down.
The NFL often capitalizes on the end of the college football regular season by scheduling Saturday games in December, and this year is no different. On Saturday, December 21, fans can enjoy a double-header on NBC and Fox, starting with the Houston Texans against the Kansas City Chiefs at 1 PM ET, followed by the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 4:30 PM ET.
Week 17 Games TBC
As we await the final confirmations, here’s a quick look at the five games that will be played in Week 17:
- Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals
- Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
- Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots
- Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants
- Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders
With so many exciting matchups on the horizon, fans are left wondering: which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their playoff spots? The anticipation is palpable as the NFL gears up for what promises to be a thrilling end to the regular season.
What’s Next for the NFL?
As the NFL prepares to announce the official schedule, fans are left buzzing with excitement. The league’s decision to move certain games to national broadcasts is a testament to the growing popularity of NFL football, especially during the holiday season. It’s a time when families gather around the TV, cheering for their favorite teams and enjoying the spirit of competition.
With the playoffs just around the corner, every game counts. The stakes are high, and the drama is sure to unfold as teams fight for their postseason lives. So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for an unforgettable Christmas filled with NFL action! Who will emerge victorious, and who will face heartbreak? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of NFL football is here to stay!
