NFL Christmas Thrills: Dallas Survives a Scare, Detroit Falls Out, and Denver Dominates the Cold

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Yesterday’s NFL Christmas tripleheader delivered a mix of record-breaking milestones, defensive dominance, and divisional upsets. With playoff spots and pride on the line, the holiday slate significantly shifted the postseason landscape.

NFL Christmas 2025: Results & Scores

Game	Score	Key Takeaway
Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders	30 – 23	Dak Prescott ties franchise record for 30-TD seasons.
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings	10 – 23	Lions eliminated; Justin Jefferson breaks Randy Moss’s record.
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs	20 – 13	Broncos keep #1 seed hopes alive; Chiefs fall without Mahomes.

Game Recaps

1. Cowboys Stay Alive in the NFC East

The Dallas Cowboys handled the Washington Commanders in a game where Dak Prescott was precise, throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns. The win was a historic one for Prescott, who tied Tony Romo for the most seasons in Cowboys history with 30+ passing touchdowns (4). Despite a 72-yard touchdown run from Washington’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt that kept things close, Dallas dominated time of possession and converted on six separate fourth-down attempts to seal the victory.

2. Vikings Play Spoiler, Lions Eliminated

In a defensive masterclass, the Minnesota Vikings officially ended the Detroit Lions’ playoff hopes with a 23–10 win. The Vikings’ defense was the star of the show, racking up six turnovers and five sacks.

Record Watch: Justin Jefferson surpassed Randy Moss for the most receiving yards in an NFL player’s first six seasons.
The Clincher: Jordan Addison iced the game with a 65-yard jet sweep touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

3. Broncos Push for the Top Seed

The Denver Broncos capitalized on a Patrick Mahomes-less Chiefs squad to secure a 20–13 road win.¹⁰ With Mahomes sidelined due to a torn ACL and backup Gardner Minshew also out, the Chiefs relied on third-stringer Chris Oladokun. Denver’s defense stifled the Kansas City attack, allowing the Broncos to improve to 13-3 and stay in the hunt for the AFC’s #1 overall seed.

Playoff Picture Update

Clinched: The Green Bay Packers officially clinched a playoff berth yesterday by virtue of the Lions’ loss.
Eliminated: Along with the Lions, the Chiefs, Dolphins, and Commanders were all mathematically eliminated from postseason contention following yesterday’s results.
The Hunt: The Broncos and Patriots remain tied at 13-3 at the top of the AFC, setting up a massive race for the first-round bye in Week 18.

Top Holiday Performers

Dak Prescott (DAL): 307 Passing Yards, 2 TDs
Justin Jefferson (MIN): Breaks record for receiving yards (8,376+ in 6 seasons)
Harrison Smith (MIN): Key veteran leadership in a 6-turnover defensive performance
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS): 72-yard TD run