Best Sports on TV This Weekend (Dec 27-28): Premier League Soccer, NFL Playoff Race, and Junior Hockey

The holiday season may be in full swing, but the sports calendar shows no signs of slowing down. This weekend’s TV schedule is packed with must-watch action, from festive Premier League matchups to pivotal NFL games that could shape the playoff picture, along with high-intensity action from the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

Beyond the headline events, fans can also enjoy a full slate of NBA and NHL games, international soccer from the Africa Cup of Nations, and wall-to-wall college football as bowl season hits its stride. Whether you’re following championship hopefuls or tuning in for a holiday tradition, there’s no shortage of top-tier sports to watch.

Make sure to visit the Live Sports on TV Website, where you will find up-to-date schedules and broadcast information for every sport.

Top 3 Must-Watch Sporting Events This Weekend (Dec 27-28)

As the sports calendar heats up, this weekend delivers blockbuster matchups across football, hockey, and soccer. From playoff implications in the NFL to international hockey pride and a Premier League showdown, there’s no shortage of must-see action.

Premier League: Chelsea FC vs. Aston Villa

• When: Saturday, December 27
• Time: 12:30 PM ET
• Competition: Premier League
• Channel: NBC, Peacock, Fubo Sports

We may not be getting a traditional Boxing Day slate this season, but this weekend still delivers a standout Premier League clash as Chelsea host Aston Villa in a battle for top-four positioning. Chelsea’s inconsistent campaign has nonetheless kept them firmly in the Champions League hunt, while Aston Villa arrive in red-hot form after being one of the league’s best sides over the past 10 matches.

Chelsea have been strongest at home, but breaking down this confident Villa side will take more than crowd support. With stars like Cole Palmer, Moisés Caicedo, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins on display, this matchup shapes up as must-watch Saturday afternoon action.

World Hockey Junior Championships

• When: Saturday, December 13
• Time: From 2:00 PM
• Competition: World Junior Championships
• Channel: NHL Network, TSN, Fubo Sports

The World Junior Championships return, offering a first look at the next wave of NHL stars as they compete on the international stage. Canada enters as the favorite behind top prospects Gavin McKenna, Michael Misa, and Zayne Parekh, while the United States, Sweden, and Finland aim to challenge for gold in a loaded field.

The tournament has a long history of unforgettable moments, and this year should be no different. Action begins Friday with the United States opening against Germany, followed by Canada’s tournament debut on Saturday versus Czechia. 

NFL: Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers

• When: Sunday, December 14
• Time: 8:20 PM ET
• Competition: NFL
• Channel: NBC, Peacock, NFL+

With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, every game carries major weight, and Sunday Night Football delivers a key matchup between playoff-bound teams as the Chicago Bears visit the San Francisco 49ers. Both sides have secured postseason spots but are still jockeying for momentum and improved seeding.

Chicago enters as one of the league’s hottest teams following a statement win over Green Bay, while San Francisco has steadily rounded into form down the stretch. With the difference between a first-round bye and a road playoff game potentially on the line, this primetime showdown has plenty at stake. 

Full Weekend Sports Highlights – By Day

Saturday, December 27

• College Football - (7:30pm ET, ABC, Fubo Sports): Gator Bowl: Virginia vs. Missouri:. Bowl season is under way and the Gator Bowl brings a matchup between Virginia and Missouri. Both teams will be motivated to end the season on a high-note with some silverware. 
• Premier League - (10:00am ET, Peacock, Fubo Sports): Brentford F.C. vs AFC Bournemouth: Brentford host Bournemouth in a matchup featuring two clubs fighting for valuable league points. With both teams on the cusp of the top 10, you can expect a tense battle here.
• NBA - (8:00pm ET, NBA League Pass, FDSN) Indiana Pacers @ Miami Heat: The Pacers travel south to face the Heat in a clash of contrasting styles. Indiana’s fast pace meets Miami’s disciplined defense in a matchup that could swing on execution late.
• AFCON Soccer Tournament - (3:00pm ET, BeIn, Fubo Sports) Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria vs. Tunisia Two African powerhouses square off as Nigeria and Tunisia battle in a high-stakes AFCON matchup. Who can handle the pressure of the situation better?

Sunday, December 28

• NFL - (4:25pm ET, Fox, Fox Sports App, NFL+, Fubo Sports): Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills: The Eagles travel to Buffalo for a marquee late-afternoon showdown against the Bills. With two Super Bowl contenders on the field, expect physical play, big throws, and playoff-level intensity.
• NBA - (3:30pm ET, NBA League Pass, Sportsnet, NBCS): Golden State Warriors @ Toronto Raptors: The Warriors bring their championship experience north of the border to face the Raptors. Toronto’s athletic defense will be tested by Golden State’s ball movement and perimeter shooting.
• NHL - (4:00pm ET, ESPN App, TSN2, Fubo Sports): Montreal Canadiens @ Tampa Bay Lightning: The Canadiens visit Tampa to take on the Lightning in an Eastern Conference clash. Montreal’s young lineup faces a stiff test against Tampa Bay’s veteran core and high-powered offense.
• Premier League - (11:30am ET, DAZN, Fubo Sports) Crystal Palace F.C. vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham head across London to face Crystal Palace in a competitive derby matchup. Palace’s physical style meets Spurs’ attacking ambition in a match that promises intensity and momentum swings.

Remember to keep an eye on our TV sports guide each weekend, giving you a rundown of everything on each day of this weekend, with timings and broadcast information.

Written by: Venuse, Inc. (Sports Content Creator)

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