"I think NFL can take over whatever day that they want to take over." Several Detroit Lions players shared their thoughts on LeBron James’ comments about the NFL’s slate of Christmas Day games.

The NBA has long dominated Christmas, just as Thanksgiving has become synonymous with football, but viewers got the best of both worlds on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors in thrilling fashion on Christmas, as Austin Reaves played hero with a last-second game-winner to cap a throwback duel between LeBron James and Steph Curry.

The San Francisco 49ers are 6-9 and out of playoff contention, but beat the Detroit Lions in the NFC championship game in January 2024.

The last time the Detroit Lions played at Levi’s Stadium, they endured a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game last season. When the teams meet again next Monday in the same venue,

The Detroit Lions will know how meaningful their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night will carry before they step on the field. If Minnesota defeats Green Bay on Sunday, the Lions will still have to beat the Vikings in the regular-season finale to take the NFC North and gain the top seed in the NFC playoffs.