NFL contradicts itself by featuring the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day for the third consecutive year

Unlike the previous two years which were noon starts, 2025's Christmas game will be at night. Since the holiday falls on a Thursday this year, it's safe to assume it will be the normal Thursday Night Football broadcast.

The Chiefs have expressed interest in becoming permanent hosts for Christmas games, similar to how the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always host games on Thanksgiving. However, the NFL said it is not looking to make that decision at this time. 

Following that, many assumed that the league would feature some new teams on Christmas and give Kansas City the year off. Not only did that not happen, but the Chiefs landed the primetime slot. Perhaps the NFL just couldn't resist after calling them their "bell cow" it terms of keeping eyes on the product.

This is the first game of the Chiefs' 2025 schedule that is officially confirmed. It is being heavily assumed that K.C. will travel to São Paulo, Brazil to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, but nothing is currently official on that front. With all of their success over the past decade, the Chiefs and their fans have become accustomed to games taking place unique places and on special days.

K.C. blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers last year on Christmas by the score of 29-10, which secured the Chiefs the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the postseason. However, in 2023 they were upset by the Las Vegas Raiders 20-14. The Broncos could present K.C. with a huge challenge after a breakout 2024 season in which they won 10 games and made the playoffs.