By Rivers Hughey
Fox Sports announced it will broadcast two NFL games on Saturday, Dec. 20. The matchups will feature Washington vs. Philadelphia and Green Bay vs. Chicago, placing the NFL in direct competition with the College Football Playoff’s first round.
We’re bringing the heat in Week 16 with a can’t-miss doubleheader! 🔥🏈
Catch an NFC East clash as the @Eagles take on the @Commanders, followed by an NFC North battle between the @packers and @ChicagoBears!
Saturday, December 20th on FOX 📺 pic.twitter.com/R56I4gsHLI
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) May 12, 2025
This year marks the second season of the expanded 12-team CFP format, which includes four first-round games. One will be played on Friday, Dec. 19, with the remaining three set for Dec. 20. Kickoff times for both the NFL and college football games have not been finalized.
The decision highlights the NFL’s continued push into traditional college football territory. Similar to how the league has increased its presence on Christmas Day, a day typically associated with the NBA, the NFL is showing it has no hesitation in scheduling games against other major sports events.
Last year’s results showed that the CFP held its own, averaging 10.6 million viewers across its four first-round games. However, the two contests that aired head-to-head with NFL games drew fewer viewers than those in non-conflicting windows.
