article image source: freepik.com (Link)
NFL Games Recap – Thursday, December 25, 2025
Christmas Day delivered a full slate of NFL drama, intensity, and standout performances, even with playoff hopes already extinguished for some teams. Across three compelling matchups, veteran leadership, defensive dominance, and late-game execution defined a holiday showcase that reminded fans why the NFL owns the spotlight—even on Christmas.
advertisement
Cowboys Hold Off Commanders in NFC East Battle
The Dallas Cowboys entered Washington with little left to play for in terms of postseason stakes, but they played with urgency from the opening kickoff. Dak Prescott led the charge, throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns as Dallas built an early cushion and held on for a 30–23 win over the Commanders.
Dallas struck quickly, scoring touchdowns on each of its first three possessions and racing to a 21–3 lead. Prescott completed 19 of 37 passes and consistently kept drives alive, most notably converting all six fourth-down attempts. That efficiency helped the Cowboys dominate time of possession by more than 17 minutes and run 87 offensive plays.
Despite being sacked six times—including three by Jer’Zhan Newton—Prescott remained composed. His two touchdown passes brought his season total to 30, tying Tony Romo’s franchise record for the most seasons with at least 30 passing touchdowns. Prescott acknowledged that while the fast start was crucial, finishing stronger remains an area for growth.
Washington, playing without injured quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, relied on 39-year-old Josh Johnson. In his first start since 2021, Johnson delivered a steady performance with 198 passing yards and no turnovers. The Commanders pulled within one score three different times, highlighted by Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s explosive 72-yard touchdown run, but they could not complete the comeback.
Key injuries impacted both teams, with Dallas losing tight end Jake Ferguson and Washington seeing center Tyler Biadasz exit late. The Cowboys closed the game fittingly by converting yet another fourth down to seal the victory.
advertisement
Vikings’ Defense Overwhelms Lions to End Playoff Hopes
In Minneapolis, defense took center stage as the Minnesota Vikings dismantled the Detroit Lions’ playoff aspirations with a 23–10 victory fueled by takeaways and relentless pressure.
The Vikings forced six turnovers and recorded five sacks, turning the game into a nightmare for Detroit quarterback Jared Goff. Goff was charged with three lost fumbles, two of which stemmed from misplayed snaps by a backup center. Detroit’s head coach Dan Campbell summed it up plainly, noting that no team survives six turnovers in the NFL.
Veteran safety Harrison Smith delivered one of the most impactful performances of his long career, finishing with an interception, a sack, multiple pass deflections, and tackles for loss. His emotional connection with the crowd underscored the moment, as Minnesota extended its winning streak to four games despite already being eliminated from postseason contention.
Offensively, the Vikings did just enough. Rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, starting in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy, managed the game carefully and avoided turnovers. Minnesota had only 75 total yards until Jordan Addison broke free on a jet sweep for a 65-yard touchdown that sealed the outcome late in the fourth quarter.
Detroit’s lone bright spot came during a lengthy second-quarter drive capped by a touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa, the first passing score Minnesota had allowed in seven games. Still, the defensive imbalance told the story, with the Vikings posting one of the league’s best turnover margins of the season.
Broncos Outlast Chiefs with Late Execution at Arrowhead
In Kansas City, the Denver Broncos delivered one of their most meaningful wins in a decade, edging the Chiefs 20–13 behind late-game poise and a decisive defensive stand.
The defining moment came in the final minutes when Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones jumped offsides on fourth down near the goal line, extending Denver’s drive. Quarterback Bo Nix capitalized shortly after, connecting with R.J. Harvey for the go-ahead touchdown. Denver’s defense then sealed the win with a final stop in the end zone.
Nix accounted for two touchdowns—one through the air and one on the ground—while throwing for 182 yards. The victory marked Denver’s first win at Arrowhead Stadium since 2015 and pushed the Broncos closer to clinching the AFC West, with even a chance at the conference’s top seed still in play.
Kansas City, severely depleted, played without Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, both sidelined with knee injuries. Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun led a late rally attempt, aided by Travis Kelce, who may have played his final home game at Arrowhead. Despite the loss, the Chiefs showed resilience, keeping the contest tight until the final snap.
Denver’s ability to control possession and limit Kansas City’s offense in the second half ultimately made the difference.
advertisement
Conclusion: A Christmas Reminder of the NFL’s Competitive Spirit
While playoff implications varied across these matchups, Christmas Day proved that motivation in the NFL goes far beyond standings. Dallas showcased leadership and execution, Minnesota reminded the league how dominant defense can reshape a game, and Denver demonstrated composure under pressure on one of football’s toughest stages.
For fans, these games were more than holiday entertainment. They were a reminder that pride, progress, and performance still matter deeply in December. As the regular season winds down, these Christmas contests set the tone for a dramatic finish—where momentum, belief, and resilience could carry teams further than anyone expects.
Sources
Cowboys vs. Commanders recap:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20251225_DAL@WAS/Vikings vs. Lions recap:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20251225_DET@MIN/Broncos vs. Chiefs recap:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20251225_DEN@KC/
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
