Kansas City, Missouri – Doubleheader Delight for NFL Fans This Christmas!
Hey, football fans! Get ready to dust off those Santa hats and grab some snacks because this Christmas, the NFL is bringing the heat with not one but two games on a Wednesday! Yes, you heard that right. In a move that’s capturing hearts (and TV screens) across the nation, the NFL has decided to call it a day—in a good way—by scheduling a Christmas doubleheader this week.
How Did This Happen?
For those of you new to the NFL’s holiday plans, Wednesdays were pretty much off-limits for the league for decades. And don’t even get me started on Christmas—traditionally, that day was a no-go, too. But this year? Well, Christmas just so happens to land on a Wednesday, and the NFL saw an opportunity. They decided to spice things up by having four teams play earlier in the week, switch opponents, and keep the calendars aligned. Thankfully, our friends at Netflix decided to jump on board and air the games!
What’s on the Schedule?
1 pm ET: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
First up, we have the Chiefs taking on the Steelers. Now, there’s a lot at stake here. If Kansas City wins, they’ll clinch the coveted No. 1 seed in the AFC. How exciting is that? The pressure’s on! And if the Steelers want any shot at the AFC North title, they need to keep winning too; otherwise, it’s game over.
4:30 pm ET: Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans
Then, at half-past four, we’ll have the Baltimore Ravens battling it out against the Texans. The Ravens are alive in the race for the AFC North title right now, but the Texans are looking to build some momentum heading into the playoffs. Not too shabby for a Wednesday!
A Historical Perspective
So here’s the kicker—this year, the NFL is doubling its Wednesday game total. Before 2012, the league had only played on a Wednesday *once* since 1948, a notable exception being the 2012 season opener. Oh, and let’s not forget the pandemic in 2020, which forced a game to be rescheduled on a Wednesday because, well, you know—COVID. So, this time around marks an exciting chapter in history!
The Playoff Picture
Alright, let’s break down each game. The Chiefs are riding high with their record and are on a historic streak of victories in one-score games. If they snag this win, they’ll not only set a franchise record with their 15th win but also hold off the Buffalo Bills from snatching the top spot away from them.
On the flip side, we have the Steelers who are the surprise package this season. Russell Wilson’s been a game-changer, but they will miss the much-needed firepower if their star receiver George Pickens remains sidelined. A win for Pittsburgh would mean a lot, given that they have internal competition for the AFC North title.
Ravens vs. Texans: What’s to Expect?
Now, looking at the evening game, things get a tad more complicated. The Ravens are riding the wave after a win over the Steelers and are poised to capitalize on their momentum. Lamar Jackson is aiming for the MVP title, and a stellar performance here could swing the race in his favor.
As for the Texans, they sealed the AFC South already but still want to ensure they’re hitting their stride heading into the playoffs. But with injuries mounting up—Tight end Tank Dell was taken to the hospital last week—it’s going to be tough for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who’s had a bumpy sophomore season with double the interceptions compared to last year.
Final Thoughts
This year’s Christmas celebration is taking a sporty twist, and it’s safe to say that NFL fans have a treat in store. Who needs eggnog when you can have some exhilarating football action? So, grab your friends, prepare some popcorn, and settle in for what promises to be an unforgettable Christmas with the NFL!
