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Nickelodeon NFL Nickmas Game Preview

The Denver Broncos are set to take on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in LA. Let’s take a look at the teams, star players, and keys to the game!
Denver Broncos navy helmet across from a Los Angeles Rams blue-and-yellow helmet. Mistletoe in between and green slime behind.

By Joe Striks

The Broncos are headed to sunny Los Angeles for a matchup with the defending Super Bowl LVI Champion Rams in Nickelodeon’s first-ever Christmas game broadcast - Sunday, December 25th at 4:30pm EST! Nate Burleson, Gabrielle Nevaeh Green, and Noah Eagle are back in the booth, and sideline correspondent Young Dylan will be scoping out the on-field scoop! Plus, you can vote in real time for the NVP and see the winner during the post-game! Get ready to jingle all the plays and savor all the slimelights, ‘cuz we’re dreaming of a GREEN Christmas!

SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Arnold, Tommy Pickles, Dora the Explorer, Ronnie Anne Casagrande, Angelica Pickles, Mikey from the TMNT, Clyde McBride, and Raph from TMNT sit in the stands of an NFL game.

Let’s start with the Denver Broncos, who made a big splash in the offseason by trading for Seattle Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson. Russ has a talented supporting cast to work with, including star wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton and rookie sensation tight end Greg Dulcich. Running backs Latavius Murray and Marlon Mack are shouldering the rushing effort out of the backfield for this balanced offense.

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich, number 80, catches and runs with the football.

The Denver defense is led by breakout young cornerback Pat Surtain II, standout lineman Dre’Mont Jones, and longtime stalwart safety Justin Simmons. First-year defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has schemed up a fantastic defense, which has done a great job of keeping the Broncos in close games all year. Jones in particular has been on a tear as an edge rusher, getting a chance to shine after the team traded fellow edge Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins.

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II celebrates after making an interception.

As for the Rams, it’s hard enough to win the championship, let alone defend it. Recent addition Baker Mayfield has come on at quarterback to lead head coach Sean McVay’s offense down the field alongside emerging running back Cam Akers and young pass-catchers Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek. Just a few days after joining the team, Mayfield led an incredible fourth quarter comeback to beat the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing a game-winning touchdown to Jefferson in the final seconds of the game!

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson holds the football and celebrates after making a catch.

The Rams defense is led by superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald, considered by many to be the best defender in the league (he’s got a record three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards to prove it). Superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey is a lockdown component of their secondary, and linebackers Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones make a boatload of tackles in the middle. It all comes back to Donald, though - a once-in-a-generation talent on the d-line.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald runs past an offensive lineman from the Carolina Panthers

So what will this game come down to? It sure looks like it’ll be a matchup of dominant defenses and offenses trying to find their footing, which could make for a defensive showcase. If Baker Mayfield stays comfortable in the pocket, head coach Sean McVay’s offense has a chance to find cracks in the stout Broncos front. On the other hand, the Broncos have an exciting array of pass-catchers who can give any defense fits. It’s sure to be a great game - football, on Nickelodeon, on Christmas? It’s the most wonderful slime of the year!