The NFL’s Christmas Day tripleheader is a relatively new phenomenon in the sports world. For decades, the league avoided Christmas at all costs, even when the holiday fell on a Sunday. In 1994, for example, the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Raiders played their final games of the season on a Saturday, as the NFL shifted the entire slate, except for Sunday night, to avoid disrupting family holiday plans.

Times have changed.

The NFL now treats Christmas much like Thanksgiving, complete with a full tripleheader. And while there have been some forgettable games, with last year’s 31-2 Baltimore-Houston matchup certainly qualifying, the holiday has also produced several true classics.

Here’s a look at some of the best Christmas Day games in NFL history.

1971: Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs

This game is the primary reason the NFL once steered clear of Christmas entirely.

The longest game in NFL history was played on Christmas Day in 1971, back when the league ran a 14-game schedule and the postseason began in late December. The Dolphins and Chiefs met in a divisional playoff game that became instant legend.

The contest was not decided until seven minutes and 20 seconds into double overtime, when Garo Yepremian’s field goal lifted Miami to a 27-24 victory. Those who watched until the end were treated to remarkable performances, including 350 all-purpose yards from Chiefs running back Ed Podolak and seven catches for 140 yards from Dolphins receiver Paul Warfield.

But the length of the game infuriated families across the country. In Kansas City, lawmakers even debated legislation that would ban the NFL from playing games on Christmas Day. There was no need. After this marathon, the NFL voluntarily avoided Christmas games until 1989.

2016: Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers

A game becomes a classic when the stakes are real, and this one had plenty.

The Steelers entered the matchup at 9-5, leading the AFC North, while the Ravens sat just behind them at 8-6. Baltimore had already won the first meeting, meaning a Ravens victory would give them control of their playoff destiny.

By the fourth quarter, it looked like Pittsburgh’s season might be slipping away. Baltimore built a 20-10 lead, and the Steelers appeared to be on life support. Then Le’Veon Bell took over, scoring once on the ground and once through the air from Ben Roethlisberger to put Pittsburgh back in front.

The Ravens responded with a Kyle Juszczyk touchdown run to reclaim a 27-24 lead, but the Steelers had one more answer. Antonio Brown stretched the ball across the goal line for the decisive score, sealing a 31-27 win. Pittsburgh rode that momentum all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

2006: New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins

It has been a long and often painful stretch for Jets fans, but Christmas 2006 provided a rare bright moment.

Normally, December in South Florida is ideal football weather. That was not the case on this night, as torrential rain turned the field into a mess. After three quarters, the Jets held a 3-0 lead, with both teams struggling to grip the ball or attempt kicks.

Conditions improved just enough in the fourth quarter for both teams to score, setting up a 10-10 tie with two minutes remaining. Leon Washington then broke free on a screen pass, racing 64 yards to the Dolphins’ 16-yard line.

From there, the Jets focused on one thing: positioning the ball for kicker Mike Nugent. Nugent delivered, drilling a 30-yard field goal to secure a 13-10 victory and the No. 5 seed in the AFC.

2004: Kansas City Chiefs vs Oakland Raiders

The Christmas battle of the kickers.

Neither team made the playoffs in 2004, but the rivalry and late-game drama made this a memorable one. Chiefs kicker Lawrence Tynes missed two field goals early, setting the stage for a wild finish.

With Oakland trailing 28-24, Sebastian Janikowski connected from long range to cut the deficit to one. After the Raiders’ defense forced a stop, Janikowski struck again, giving Oakland a 30-28 lead with just over a minute to play.

Kansas City responded with a return to midfield, giving Tynes one more chance at redemption. This time, he delivered, hitting a 38-yard field goal for a 31-30 Chiefs win. Even without playoff implications, the rivalry carried the day.

2005: Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers

Holiday games carry extra weight. Rivalry games carry even more.

When the Bears and Packers met on Christmas Day in 2005, Chicago was chasing a division title and a first-round bye, while Green Bay was trying to avoid last place in the NFC North. There was another layer of history at stake as well, as the Packers had not been swept by Chicago since 1991.

The Bears made sure history repeated itself. Brett Favre was forced into mistakes against Chicago’s defense, throwing four interceptions. The Bears earned a 24-17 win at Lambeau Field, completing the sweep and securing the NFC North crown.

Green Bay finished 4-12 that season, the last time the Packers ended a year at the bottom of the division.

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