Big Sports Weekend Ahead in the USA: Playoff

As the holiday season approaches, sports fans across the United States have an exciting weekend ahead from December 19-21, 2025. The spotlight falls on the opening games of the College Football Playoff (CFP) first round, critical NFL Week 16 contests with playoff implications, a high-profile heavyweight boxing matchup in Miami, ongoing NBA and NHL regular season action, and college basketball tournaments. This diverse lineup offers something for every fan, from gridiron battles to ring drama.

These events provide ideal viewing for gatherings or solo enjoyment during the pre-Christmas period. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key happenings, including schedules, venues, and viewing options.

College Football Playoff First-Round Games: Playoff Action Begins on Campus

The 12-team CFP format continues with first-round matchups hosted at higher-seeded campuses, promising intense atmospheres and potential upsets as teams vie for quarterfinal berths.

Featured CFP Games:

• Friday, December 19:
  • No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 8 Oklahoma – 8:00 p.m. ET, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman, OK) – Broadcast on ABC/ESPN.
• Saturday, December 20:
  • No. 10 Miami vs. No. 7 Texas A&M – Noon ET, Kyle Field (College Station, TX) – ABC/ESPN.
  • No. 11 Tulane vs. No. 6 Ole Miss – 3:30 p.m. ET – ESPN.
  • No. 12 James Madison vs. No. 5 Oregon – 7:30 p.m. ET – TNT/truTV.

Additional college notes: The Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational (men’s basketball) runs December 21-22 in El Paso, TX.

These on-campus games deliver unique energy, with winners advancing to New Year’s Six bowls.

NFL Week 16: High-Stakes Games Shaping the Playoff Race

Week 16 features pivotal matchups as teams push for postseason spots, including Saturday games and a full Sunday schedule.

Key Games:

• Thursday, December 18 (Weekend Kickoff): Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – Prime Video.
• Saturday, December 20:
  • Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders – 5:00 p.m. ET (FOX).
  • Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – 8:20 p.m. ET (FOX).
• Sunday, December 21: Full slate with rivalries and contender clashes (e.g., Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins games) – CBS, FOX, NBC.
• Monday, December 22: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts – ESPN.

Division races and wild-card spots hang in the balance—check local listings for exact times.

Blockbuster Boxing: Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Heavyweight Bout

A marquee event headlines individual sports:

• Friday, December 19: Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua – Kaseya Center (Miami, FL).
• This sanctioned heavyweight clash pits the social media star-turned-boxer Paul against the former unified champion Joshua. Expect massive attention and potential knockouts.

Streaming: Exclusively on Netflix (included for subscribers; potential PPV elements).

NBA Regular Season: Games Nationwide

The NBA offers a full schedule this weekend, with matchups spread across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

• Multiple games each night featuring contenders and stars.
• Broadcasts on ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and NBA League Pass.

Mid-season storylines include rising teams and individual performances leading into holiday games.

NHL Regular Season: Puck Action Across the Country

Hockey delivers consistent excitement with games throughout the weekend.

• Friday to Sunday: Numerous matchups, including potential rivalries.
• Available on ESPN+, TNT, and regional networks.

The race for Stanley Cup positioning intensifies as winter sets in.

Additional Events

• Minor league hockey (e.g., SPHL games) and youth tournaments add local flavor.
• College basketball invitational events provide under-the-radar gems.

Viewing and Attendance Guide

• Broadcasts: ESPN/ABC for CFP, FOX/CBS/NBC/ESPN for NFL, Netflix for boxing, League Pass/ESPN+ for NBA/NHL.
• Tickets: Check Ticketmaster or official sites—many events still available.
• Note: Schedules may shift; verify with official sources.