The NFL delivered an action-packed Christmas slate, with the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos all leaving their mark. The Cowboys opened the day with a win over the Washington Commanders, the Vikings eliminated the Detroit Lions from playoff contention, and the Broncos edged the Kansas City Chiefs in a late thriller.

Cowboys 30-23 Commanders

The Dallas Cowboys snapped a three-game losing streak with a 30-23 victory over the Washington Commanders, moving to 7-8-1 on the season. Dallas piled up 480 yards on 87 plays to secure the hard-fought win, while the Commanders fell to 4-11.

Dallas dominated early, taking a 24-10 lead into halftime. KaVontae Turpin made history with an 86-yard touchdown, the longest ever on NFL Christmas Day. Running back Javonte Williams added a 54-yard touchdown on 13 carries, and tight end Jake Ferguson scored on his only reception of the game to put Dallas on the board first.

Washington fought back in the second half, led by rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who broke off a 72-yard touchdown run—the longest of his rookie season and career. Croskey-Merritt finished with 105 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, keeping Washington in the game. Despite late field goals from both teams, the Cowboys held on for the victory.

Vikings 23-10 Lions

In a stunning defensive display, the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers to eliminate the Detroit Lions from playoff contention. The Lions, who had committed just eight turnovers all season, saw quarterback Jared Goff cough up five—two interceptions and three fumbles—while running back Jahmyr Gibbs added the sixth.

Minnesota’s offense didn’t need much, putting up only 161 total yards behind backup quarterback Max Brosmer. Two touchdowns, combined with the turnovers, were enough to secure the win. Running back Jordan Addison highlighted the game with a 65-yard touchdown run, while Aaron Jones Sr. added a 53-yard score on 18 carries.

With Detroit officially out, the Green Bay Packers have now clinched a playoff berth.

Broncos 20-13 Chiefs

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix delivered a clutch touchdown pass to rookie running back RJ Harvey with 1:45 remaining to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos, who had struggled to find the end zone for most of the game, improved to 13-3.

Kansas City’s offense was largely stifled, failing to surpass 100 total yards until their final drive. Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun finished with 105 passing yards on 14-of-23 attempts, while tight end Travis Kelce, potentially playing his last home game, managed just five catches for 36 yards.

The Broncos can clinch the AFC West this weekend if the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Houston Texans; otherwise, the division race will come down to the final week of the season.