The Minnesota Vikings have announced that quarterback JJ McCarthy will miss the Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions due to a hairline fracture in his hand. This injury marks a significant setback for both the team and the upcoming holiday matchup, which is part of the NFL’s special Christmas Day slate.
This year’s Christmas Day games are particularly important for Netflix, which reportedly pays $150 million annually for exclusive rights to broadcast NFL games on this date. The streaming service planned a tripleheader for December 25, 2025, after successfully hosting a doubleheader last year. Despite intriguing matchups, four of the six teams set to play have already been eliminated from playoff contention, diminishing the potential viewership.
In addition to McCarthy’s absence, the NFL has seen injuries to several star players affecting audience expectations. Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, suffered a season-ending injury earlier this month, further complicating the holiday lineup. The Vikings have confirmed that Max Brosmer will take the helm against the Lions in McCarthy’s place.
Impact of Injuries on Christmas Lineup
The first game of the tripleheader features the Washington Commanders hosting the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams have faced difficult seasons, with the Commanders dealing with a series of injuries. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota was recently sidelined, and his replacement, Josh Johnson, could be starting against the Cowboys.
The second game sees the Vikings hosting the Lions. Detroit’s playoff hopes are slim, at just a seven percent chance of advancing, following a controversial 29-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. To qualify for the postseason, the Lions must win their final two games and rely on the Green Bay Packers to lose both of theirs.
Originally, the primetime game was set to feature a classic AFC West rivalry between the Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. However, due to Mahomes’ injury, the Chiefs will be led by third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun. This shift comes after Gardner Minshew suffered a knee injury in the previous game, placing him on the injured reserve list.
Despite these challenges, the Broncos remain a strong contender. They have secured a playoff berth and currently hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC Conference with a record of 12-3, tied with the New England Patriots. A victory against the Chiefs would solidify their position in the playoffs and may determine the AFC West title.
As the NFL approaches Christmas, the injuries to key players like McCarthy and Mahomes raise questions about the competitive edge of the holiday games. With stakes high for the Broncos and the playoff hopes of the Lions hanging by a thread, fans will be eager to see how these matchups unfold on December 25.
