The Christmas Day NFL and NBA watchability rankings, from best to worst games

Christmas Day has become one of the biggest sports days on the calendar year now that the NFL has joined the NBA with major games scheduled.

While not everyone is thrilled that the football games are streaming on Netflix and not a typical TV provider, some of the best athletes across the two sports will play on the holiday.

The NFL will showcase Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson in their two games. The NBA will have its biggest stars on the court including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Victor Wembanyama, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic.

Here are all the games played, sorted by watchability and excitement:

1. Chiefs vs. Steelers

TIME: 1:00 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: Netflix

So long as there are no streaming issues like the Logan Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fight on Netflix, this is the game that should capture the most attention among fans in the United States. Kansas City will fight for the No. 1 seed while Pittsburgh wants to keep the divisional lead. The stakes are high for these two playoff teams as the Steelers have a real chance to actually beat the Chiefs despite two consecutive losses.

2. Ravens vs. Texans

TIME: 4:30 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: Netflix

Even though Josh Allen is still considered the favorite, Baltimore's Lamar Jackson will have a chance to narrow the gap and make a strong case for himself against Houston. The Ravens could also take over the AFC North versus the Texans, who already secured a spot in the playoffs as well.

3. Spurs vs. Knicks

TIME: 12:00 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: ABC/ESPN

There is nothing like the first tipoff on Christmas Day and the NBA is starting off with a banger, showcasing Victor Wembanyama playing his first-ever game on the holiday. The 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year had a 40-point, 20-rebound performance during his last game against the Knicks and he is playing particularly well lately for San Antonio.

4. Lakers vs. Warriors

TIME: 8:00 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: ABC/ESPN

This is still a game worth watching because Stephen Curry versus LeBron James is always a show for the fans, but the Warriors have not played particularly well lately (especially during a massive blowout stinker against the Grizzlies).

5. Timberwolves vs. Mavericks

TIME: 2:30 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: ABC/ESPN

A rematch of the Western Conference Finals is exciting on paper but less exciting in practice as the Timberwolves do not look like the same team without Karl-Anthony Towns. But this can still become a fun one as Anthony Edwards makes his Christmas Day debut while Luka Doncic looks to build off his 50-point, 15-assist performance last year.

6. Nuggets vs. Suns

TIME: 10:30 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: ABC/ESPN

This is a fun game between the Nuggets and Suns, who also played on Christmas Day in 2022 in an overtime thriller when Nikola Jokic had 41 points with 15 rebounds and 15 assists. Denver and Phoenix have played against each other multiple times in the playoffs over the last few seasons. But it is also not exactly the most anticipated matchup as these teams have already played each other earlier this week.

7. 76ers vs. Celtics

TIME: 5:00 p.m. ET

HOW TO WATCH: ABC/ESPN

It it such a bummer that this game has such a prime TV spot because it simply lacks allure with so many injuries to Philadelphia's star core. Boston may not have its star players available and the lowly 76ers have had trouble finding a rhythm this season due to various injuries across their core.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: The Christmas Day NFL and NBA watchability rankings, from best to worst games