Top 5 NFL Christmas Day Games
Yes No |
Top 5 NFL Christmas Day Games |
Year |
|
5 |
Arizona Cardinals 27 Dallas Cowboys 26 |
2010 |
|
4 |
Kansas City Chiefs 31 Oakland Raiders 30 |
2004 |
|
3 |
Chicago Bears 24 Green Bay Packers 17 |
2005 |
|
2 |
Pittsburgh Steelers 31 Baltimore Ravens 27 |
2016 |
|
1 |
Miami Dolphins 27 Kansas City Chiefs 24 |
1971 |
Explore our top 10 articles and immerse yourself in a world of information, enhance your reading experience and discover the most engaging articles online, exclusively on NEWSTARS Education!
The best NFL Christmas Day games
“Experience the magic of the holiday season on the gridiron with the NFL’s best Christmas Day games. From the inaugural matchups in 1971 to the thrilling matchups of recent years, these contests have become iconic moments in the history of American football. Immerse yourself in the excitement of divisional playoff matchups, unexpected comebacks and unforgettable plays that have etched their place in the hearts of football fans during the happiest day of the year.
5. Arizona Cardinals 27 Dallas Cowboys 26 (2010)
In a Christmas Day matchup that defied expectations, the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys put on an exciting show in 2010. This game showed the resilience of both teams, with backup quarterbacks John Skelton for the Cardinals and Stephen McGee for the Cowboys. The contest took an unexpected turn when the Cowboys, trailing by 18 points in the second quarter, orchestrated a remarkable comeback, taking a 26-24 lead with just 1 minute and 46 seconds left.
However, a missed extra point by David Buehler left the door ajar for the Cardinals. In a tense fourth down situation, Arizona quarterback John Skelton connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a crucial 26-yard pass, setting the stage for Jay Feely’s 48-yard field goal to win the game. This Christmas Day clash not only showcased the unpredictability of the NFL, but also celebrated the resilience of underdog teams, etching its place as a memorable Christmas classic.
4. Kansas City Chiefs 31 Oakland Raiders 30 (2004)
The 2004 Christmas Day matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders is a testament to the unpredictable nature of NFL games. This high-scoring event featured back-and-forth action highlighted by a stellar performance from Chiefs Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, who recorded 11 receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns. The game came to a head with the Chiefs holding a slim four-point lead and just under five minutes left on the clock.
However, a crucial fumble by Chiefs quarterback Trent Green opened the door for the Raiders, and Sebastian Janikowski’s successful field goal cut the deficit to one point. The Chiefs, needing to run out the clock, faced an intense moment. Enter Dante Hall, one of the most recognized kick returners in NFL history. With a squib kick, Hall made a dazzling 49-yard return, positioning the Chiefs for victory. Lawrence Tynes clinched the victory with a game-winning field goal, capping a Christmas Day spectacle full of dramatic twists.
3. Chicago Bears 24 Green Bay Packers 17 (2005)
In a memorable clash on Christmas Day 2005, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers played out a classic divisional duel that went down in the annals of NFL history. The rivalry between these two historic franchises reached its peak when the Bears posted a 24-17 victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field. The importance of this game was enhanced by the fact that it marked the first time in 15 years that the Bears swept the Packers, clinching the black and blue division.
Despite facing a 24-7 deficit in the third quarter, the Packers pulled off a spirited comeback with an 85-yard punt return and field goal. However, the Bears defense rose to the occasion with back-to-back sacks on the final drive, sealing the victory with a decisive interception by Chris Harris. The intensity of the divisional showdown and the long-standing rivalry between the Bears and Packers made this Christmas Day clash a momentous occasion for fans and players alike.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 31 Baltimore Ravens 27 (2016)
The 2016 Christmas Day matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens was a dramatic AFC North battle with major playoff implications. With the Steelers at 9-5 and the Ravens at 8-6, both teams were vying for control of the division, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchup. The Ravens entered the fourth quarter with a 20-10 lead, but the action heated up when Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers on consecutive touchdown drives.
The Ravens fought back with a 10-yard burst from Kyle Juszczyk, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. In the final minutes, the Steelers orchestrated a 10-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in a remarkable game-winning touchdown catch by Antonio Brown. This iconic moment, known as the “Immaculate Spread,” featured Brown darting into the end zone with defenders covering him, securing not only the victory but also the division title for the Steelers. The game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, making it a Christmas Day highlight in the NFL.
1. Miami Dolphins 27 Kansas City Chiefs 24 (1971)
The first NFL game played on Christmas Day 1971 remains a timeless classic, as the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs engaged in a thrilling battle that would set the standard for future Christmas matchups. The Dolphins cruised to a dramatic 27-24 overtime victory in what turned out to be the longest nonstop game in NFL history, lasting 82 minutes and 40 seconds. The Chiefs, fresh off their Super Bowl IV victory two years earlier, were primed for another deep playoff run.
However, the neophyte Dolphins, still searching for their first playoff victory, entered the game as the underdogs. The contest featured standout performances, including Chiefs running back Ed Podolak’s impressive 350 all-purpose yards. Despite the Chiefs’ chances, a missed 31-yard strike by Jan Stenerud and a resilient Dolphins defense led to the exciting overtime victory. This historic Christmas Day game not only set the tone for future Christmas matchups, but also earned its spot as the 18th spot on the NFL’s 100 Greatest Games, solidifying its status as the best Christmas Day game in the history of the NFL.
What makes the game Dolphins vs. 1971 Chiefs to be the first NFL game on Christmas Day?
The Christmas Day game between the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs in 1971 has historical significance as the first NFL game played on Christmas. This historic event occurred during the divisional playoffs, marking a departure from the traditional football calendar and introducing the NFL to a holiday audience. The decision to schedule games on Christmas Day added a festive dimension to the league and became rare, occurring only 22 times in total.
The 1971 showdown set the stage for future Christmas football traditions, captured the attention of fans and became an instant classic. The game not only showcased the teams’ competitive spirit but also highlighted the NFL’s willingness to take advantage of special occasions for the benefit of its audience. The Dolphins’ thrilling 27-24 overtime victory over the Chiefs, which lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds, contributed to the lasting legacy of Christmas Day NFL games and earned its spot at No. 18 among the 100 best games in the NFL. This pioneering Christmas Day game laid the foundation for a unique and treasured aspect of NFL history.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith; However, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.
Categories: Top 10 News
Source: Hello Kitty Kindergarten