Both Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi play their bowl games in this week's Slate. This will be the first appearance in both bowl games for both teams.

Thursday, Dec. 24

NFL (7:25 p.m., NFLN): While you get ready for Santa to come down the chimney, watch an AFC West match-up with the Oakland Raiders hosting the San Diego Chargers.

Friday, Dec. 25

NBA (4-7 p.m., ABC): Enjoy this rematch of last year's NBA finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors after opening your gifts.

Saturday, Dec. 26

College football (1-5 p.m., ESPN): Southern Miss takes on the Washington Huskies in the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl.

Sunday, Dec. 27

NFL (3-7 p.m., CBS): Could this be the last game in the Superdome for the Drew Brees-era New Orleans Saints as they face the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Monday, Dec. 28

NFL (7:30-11 p.m., ESPN): Witness a possible AFC-playoff preview in a battle of top NFL teams as the Denver Broncos host the Cincinnati Bengals.

Tuesday, Dec. 29

College basketball (7-9 p.m., SECN): The ninth-ranked Lady Bulldogs of Mississippi State host Southeastern Louisiana in their penultimate non-conference game.

Wednesday, Dec. 30

College football (2:30-6 p.m., ESPN): Mississippi State takes on North Carolina State in the Belk Bowl. 
The Bulldogs and Golden Eagles will try to end 2015 on positive note after both lost their final games of the season. Both teams exceeded most expectations this season in wins, but one more always helps.

Follow Bryan Flynn at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports and at facebook.com/jfpsports.