Top 5 NFL Christmas Day Games - Unwrapping Football's Festive Classics
by B Kishwar
Updated Dec 27, 2023
Top 5 NFL Christmas Day Games
5
Arizona Cardinals 27 Dallas Cowboys 26
2010
4
Kansas City Chiefs 31 Oakland Raiders 30
2004
3
Chicago Bears 24 Green Bay Packers 17
2005
2
Pittsburgh Steelers 31 Baltimore Ravens 27
2016
1
Miami Dolphins 27 Kansas City Chiefs 24
1971
S. No
Top 5 NFL Christmas Day Games
Year
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Top NFL Christmas Day Games
"Experience the magic of the holiday season on the gridiron with the top NFL Christmas Day games. From the inaugural clashes in 1971 to thrilling matchups in recent years, these contests have become iconic moments in football history. Dive into the excitement of divisional playoff showdowns, unexpected comebacks, and unforgettable plays that have etched their place in the hearts of football fans during the merriest day of the year.
5. Arizona Cardinals 27 Dallas Cowboys 26 (2010)
In a Christmas Day showdown that defied expectations, the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys delivered a nail-biting spectacle in 2010. This game showcased the resilience of both teams, featuring backup quarterbacks John Skelton for the Cardinals and Stephen McGee for the Cowboys. The contest took an unexpected turn as the Cowboys, trailing by 18 points in the second quarter, orchestrated a remarkable comeback, seizing a 26-24 lead with just 1 minute and 46 seconds remaining.
However, a missed extra point by David Buehler left the door ajar for the Cardinals. In a tense fourth-down situation, Arizona quarterback John Skelton connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a crucial 26-yard completion, setting the stage for a game-winning 48-yard field goal by Jay Feely. This Christmas Day clash not only showcased the unpredictability of the NFL but also celebrated the resilience of underdog teams, etching its place as a memorable holiday classic.
4. Kansas City Chiefs 31 Oakland Raiders 30 (2004)
The 2004 Christmas Day matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of NFL games. This high-scoring affair featured back-and-forth action highlighted by a stellar performance from Chiefs Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, who recorded 11 catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. The game reached a critical juncture with the Chiefs holding a slim four-point lead and just under five minutes on the clock.
However, a crucial fumble by Chiefs quarterback Trent Green opened the door for the Raiders, and Sebastian Janikowski's successful field goal cut the deficit to one point. The Chiefs, needing to run out the clock, faced an intense moment. Enter Dante Hall, one of the most renowned kick returners in NFL history. Fielding a squib kick, Hall made a dazzling 49-yard return, positioning the Chiefs for victory. Lawrence Tynes secured the win with a game-winning field goal, capping off a Christmas Day spectacle filled with dramatic twists and turns.
3. Chicago Bears 24 Green Bay Packers 17 (2005)
In a memorable Christmas Day clash in 2005, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers delivered a classic divisional grudge match that etched itself into the annals of NFL history. The rivalry between these two storied franchises reached a pinnacle as the Bears secured a 24-17 victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field. The significance of this game was heightened by the fact that it marked the first time in 15 years that the Bears swept the Packers, clinching the black and blue division.
Despite facing a 24-7 deficit in the third quarter, the Packers mounted a spirited comeback with an 85-yard punt return and a field goal. However, the Bears' defense rose to the occasion with back-to-back sacks on the final drive, sealing the victory with a decisive interception by Chris Harris. The intensity of the divisional showdown and the enduring rivalry between the Bears and Packers made this Christmas Day clash a momentous occasion for fans and players alike.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 31 Baltimore Ravens 27 (2016)
The Christmas Day showdown in 2016 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens was a dramatic AFC North battle with significant playoff implications. With the Steelers at 9-5 and the Ravens at 8-6, both teams were vying for control of the division, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchup. The Ravens entered the fourth quarter with a 20-10 lead, but the action heated up as Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers on back-to-back touchdown drives.
The Ravens fought back with a 10-yard burst by Kyle Juszczyk, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. In the final minutes, the Steelers orchestrated a 10-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a remarkable game-winning touchdown grab by Antonio Brown. This iconic moment, known as the "Immaculate Extension," featured Brown lunging for the end zone with defenders draped over him, securing not only the victory but also the division title for the Steelers. The game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, making it a standout Christmas Day spectacle in the NFL.
1. Miami Dolphins 27 Kansas City Chiefs 24 (1971)
The first-ever NFL game played on Christmas Day in 1971 remains a timeless classic, as the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs engaged in a thrilling battle that would set the standard for future holiday matchups. The Dolphins secured a dramatic 27-24 overtime victory in what turned out to be the longest game without interruption in NFL history, lasting 82 minutes and 40 seconds. The Chiefs, fresh off their Super Bowl IV victory two years prior, were poised for another deep playoff run.
However, the neophyte Dolphins, still in search of their first playoff win, entered the game as underdogs. The contest featured standout performances, including Chiefs halfback Ed Podolak's impressive 350 all-purpose yards. Despite the Chiefs' opportunities, a missed 31-yard chip shot by Jan Stenerud and a resilient Dolphins defense led to the thrilling overtime victory. This historic Christmas Day game not only set the tone for future holiday clashes but also earned its place as the number 18 spot in the NFL's 100 greatest games, solidifying its status as the best Christmas Day game in NFL history.
What Makes the Dolphins vs. Chiefs Game in 1971 the First-Ever Christmas Day NFL Game?
The Christmas Day game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs in 1971 holds historical significance as the first-ever NFL game played on Christmas. This landmark event occurred during the Divisional playoffs, marking a departure from the traditional football schedule and introducing the NFL to a holiday audience. The decision to schedule games on Christmas Day added a festive dimension to the league and became a rare occurrence, happening only 22 times in total.
The 1971 matchup set the stage for future holiday football traditions, capturing the attention of fans and becoming an instant classic. The game not only showcased the competitive spirit of the teams but also highlighted the NFL's willingness to embrace special occasions for the benefit of its audience. The Dolphins' thrilling 27-24 overtime victory over the Chiefs, lasting 82 minutes and 40 seconds, contributed to the lasting legacy of Christmas Day NFL games and earned its place as the number 18 spot in the NFL's 100 greatest games. This pioneering Christmas Day game laid the foundation for a unique and cherished aspect of NFL history.
Top 5 NFL Christmas Day Games - FAQs
The 2005 Christmas Day clash featured a classic divisional grudge match where the Chicago Bears secured a 24-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Memorable moments included the Bears' first divisional sweep in 15 years, a spirited comeback by the Packers, and a decisive interception by Chris Harris on the final drive.
The 2016 Christmas Day showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens was a high-stakes AFC North battle with playoff implications. With the Steelers at 9-5 and the Ravens at 8-6, the game became a crucial contest for division control. The Steelers clinched a dramatic 31-27 victory with a game-winning touchdown grab by Antonio Brown, known as the "Immaculate Extension," securing not only the win but also the division title.
The 1971 Christmas Day clash between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs is hailed as the first-ever NFL game played on Christmas. The Dolphins' thrilling 27-24 overtime victory, lasting 82 minutes and 40 seconds, set the standard for holiday matchups and earned its place as the number 18 spot in the NFL's 100 greatest games.
The 2010 Christmas Day game featured a showdown between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys, with backup quarterbacks John Skelton and Stephen McGee providing fireworks. Cardinals rookie QB John Skelton led the team to victory with key passes, including a 26-yard completion to Larry Fitzgerald, while Jay Feely sealed the win with a 48-yard field goal.
The 2004 Christmas Day game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders stood out for its back-and-forth affair, highlighted by an impressive performance from Chiefs Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. The game concluded with a dramatic late-game drive, a key fumble by the Chiefs, and a game-winning kick by Lawrence Tynes, making it a memorable and unexpected finish.