What to Watch in Sports This Weekend: NFL, Soccer

The weekend of December 20-21, 2025, delivers thrilling sports action as the holiday season approaches. Fans can enjoy crucial NFL Week 16 matchups with playoff implications, exciting Premier League fixtures, key College Football Playoff first-round games, NBA and NHL regular-season battles, and the start of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) buildup.

Whether you’re a football fanatic, basketball enthusiast, or soccer supporter, this weekend offers unmissable moments. Here’s a breakdown of the top sports events December 20-21, 2025, including schedules, highlights, and why they matter.

NFL Week 16 Highlights: Playoff Races Heat Up

The NFL delivers a packed slate with Saturday doubleheaders and Sunday games. Key matchups could shake up postseason seeding.

• Saturday, December 20:
  • Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears (4:30 or 8 p.m. ET, Fox) – Classic rivalry with playoff stakes.
  • Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders (4:30 or 8 p.m. ET, Fox) – Eagles push for top seed.
• Sunday, December 21:
  • Full slate of games, including high-stakes contests across divisions.

These NFL games December 20-21, 2025, feature intense rivalries and playoff implications as teams battle for spots.

Premier League Fixtures: Festive Football Kicks Off

The English Premier League brings holiday excitement with Matchweek action on December 20-21.

Standout games include:

• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool
• Everton vs. Arsenal
• Aston Villa vs. Manchester United (Sunday, December 21, 4:30 p.m. GMT, Sky Sports)
• Newcastle United vs. Chelsea

These Premier League matches December 20-21, 2025, showcase top clubs vying for European spots and title contention.

College Football Playoff First Round: Bowl Season Intensifies

The expanded 12-team CFP continues with first-round games, part of bowl season excitement.

• Games scheduled across December 19-20, with potential action spilling into the weekend.
• High-profile matchups like No. 9 Alabama at No. 8 Oklahoma highlight the drama.

College football games December 20, 2025, mark a pivotal weekend in the road to the national championship.

NBA and NHL Regular Season Action

• NBA: Tripleheaders and multiple games on December 20, with teams building momentum mid-season.
• NHL: Full slate including matchups like Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames (Dec 20) and others on December 21.

Basketball and hockey fans get plenty of NBA games December 20-21, 2025, and NHL games to enjoy.

Other Notable Events

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off on December 21 in Morocco, featuring Africa’s top national teams in group stage openers.

Why This Weekend Matters for Sports Fans

December 20-21, 2025, blends American football dominance with global soccer appeal. From NFL playoff pushes to Premier League thrillers and college bowl excitement, it’s a perfect sports weekend before Christmas.