NFL Christmas Games Lose Star Quarterbacks to Injury/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NFL Christmas Day games have lost major star power as the Commanders, Vikings, and Chiefs will all start backup quarterbacks due to injuries. With most teams out of playoff contention, the once-anticipated matchups have lost competitive stakes. Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy headline the list of sidelined stars.
NFL Christmas Day Outlook: Quick Looks
- Commanders, Vikings, and Chiefs missing starting quarterbacks on Christmas.
- Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy all sidelined with injuries.
- Washington will start veteran Josh Johnson amid injuries to Daniels and Mariota.
- Minnesota turns to Max Brosmer with McCarthy out for the season.
- Chiefs now down to third-stringer Chris Oladokun after Minshew’s injury.
- Detroit Lions still in NFC wild card hunt, need wins and help.
- Denver Broncos play for top AFC seed against depleted Kansas City.
- Playoff implications are limited, with most matchups now for pride.
Deep Look: Star Quarterbacks Sideline NFL Christmas Games and Playoff Stakes
What was expected to be a showcase of divisional clashes and playoff drama has turned into a Christmas Day slate filled with backup quarterbacks, minimal postseason stakes, and dashed hopes for marquee matchups.
The NFL’s 2025 Week 17 Christmas triple-headeroriginally highlighted by games with playoff potential and big-name quarterback duels, is now dominated by injuries. The Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Kansas City Chiefs will all be without their starting quarterbacks, significantly dampening the excitement for fans and streaming partner Netflix.
Game 1: Cowboys vs. Commanders — NFC East Without the Stakes
The holiday kicks off with an NFC East battle between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. Both teams have already been eliminated from postseason contention.
While Dak Prescott will suit up for Dallas, the Commanders are down to veteran journeyman Josh Johnson. Second-year quarterback Jayden Danielswho led Washington to the NFC title game as a rookie in 2024, has been shut down after aggravating an elbow injury. Even backup Marcus Mariota is sidelined, leaving Johnson to take snaps for a struggling 4-11 squad.
“Playing these division games, they still mean a lot,” Commanders coach And Quinn said. “But at this point, it’s mostly about pride.”
Dallas, meanwhile, looks to end their season on a strong note and build momentum for 2026.
Game 2: Lions vs. Vikings — NFC North Clash Missing Star Power
The middle game features a rivalry matchup between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikingsbut once again, injuries are front and center. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is out after sustaining an injury in last week’s win over the New York Giants.
Minnesota will turn again to Max Brosmerwho struggled in his first start against the Seahawks. The Lions, still holding slim playoff hopes, must win their final two games and hope the Green Bay Packers lose out to claim the last NFC wild card spot.
Last week, Detroit lost in heartbreaking fashion when a late Jared Goff touchdown was nullified by a controversial offensive pass interference call against Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Game 3: Broncos vs. Chiefs — AFC Heavyweights Without Mahomes
The nightcap, expected to be a potential AFC playoff preview, is instead a lopsided matchup. The Kansas City Chiefs, long the class of the conference, will be without Patrick Mahomeswho suffered a season-ending ACL tear two weeks ago.
Mahomes underwent surgery immediately after the injury, and the Chiefs hoped backup Gardner Minshew could finish the year. However, Minshew also tore his ACL in last week’s loss to the Titans.
Now, third-string quarterback Chris Oladokuna USF alum, will start against the 12-3 Denver Broncoswho have already clinched a playoff spot and are fighting for the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
With the Chiefs officially out of playoff contention, the game may be more of a formality than a clash of contenders.
Diminished Matchups, Lingering Questions
The NFL had high hopes when it finalized its holiday schedule months ago. All three matchups had divisional implications and potential playoff weight. But the reality of a long and grueling NFL season has rewritten the script.
- Mahomes’ injury removes one of the league’s biggest stars from the spotlight.
- Jayden Daniels’ early shutdown ends a promising second campaign prematurely.
- J.J. McCarthy’s absence stunts momentum for Minnesota’s offense.
While fans can still enjoy Christmas football, many are bracing for games that may feel more like preseason previews than playoff-caliber matchups.
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