The NFL's 2026 schedule is officially out, and Christmas Day is shaping up to be a must-watch for Oregon Ducks fans. With former Ducks sprinkled across 25 of the league's 32 teams, every weekend offers a reason to tune in—but the holiday triple-header stands out as a showcase of young talent making its mark on the national stage.
The day kicks off with a classic NFC North clash between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. All eyes will be on Packers safety Dillon Thieneman, a 2026 first-round pick who turned heads during his lone season in Eugene. After transferring as the top-ranked safety in the portal, Thieneman delivered clutch, game-winning plays that cemented his reputation as a difference-maker. This is your chance to see him bring that same energy to the pros.
Next up, the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos renew acquaintances in a rematch of last season's AFC Divisional playoff thriller. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will be under center, looking to sweep Buffalo for the second time in 2026. Nix thrived in his second year with Oregon's offense and carried that momentum into the NFL last season. Now, heading into year three under head coach Sean Payton, the sky's the limit for his development—and Christmas afternoon might just be his next breakout moment.
To cap off the night, Terrance Ferguson and the Los Angeles Rams face the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of the NFC Championship game. Ferguson, the athletic tight end with a big frame, made the most of limited targets last season, hauling in 11 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns. With expectations for a larger role in 2026, this could be the game where he announces himself as a true offensive weapon.
And it doesn't stop there. In the first game of the day, linebacker Noah Sewell will also suit up for the Packers alongside Thieneman, giving Oregon fans a double dose of Duck pride to start the holiday. Barring injury, all three games feature young, rising stars from Eugene performing on football's biggest stage—making Christmas 2026 a day every Ducks fan will want to circle on the calendar.