The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most watched and highly anticipated sports leagues in the world, with millions of fans tuning in each week to catch their favorite teams in action. For those looking to catch the games on Sunday, the schedule can vary from week to week, but there are several consistent elements that fans can rely on to plan their viewing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the NFL schedule on Sundays, including full game listings and where to watch them.
Understanding the NFL Schedule
The NFL season typically runs from September to February, with the regular season consisting of 18 weeks. Each week, teams play one game, with the majority of these games taking place on Sundays. The schedule is designed to ensure that every team plays 17 games, with one bye week during the season.
Sunday Game Slots
On Sundays, there are several time slots when NFL games are broadcast:
Early Games (1:00 PM ET): These games are usually broadcast on CBS and FOX. The specific networks for each game depend on the teams playing and their respective conferences. CBS typically airs AFC games, while FOX airs NFC games.
Late Games (4:05/4:25 PM ET): These games are also broadcast on CBS and FOX, following the same conference rules as the early games.
Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET): This prime-time game is broadcast on NBC. It’s one of the most anticipated games of the week, often featuring high-profile teams or crucial matchups.
Sunday Night Football on ESPN (Occasional): While not a regular Sunday feature, ESPN may broadcast special Sunday night games, especially during the early part of the season or on special occasions.
Thursday and Monday Games
While not part of the traditional Sunday schedule, it’s worth noting that the NFL also features games on Thursdays and Mondays:
Thursday Night Football (8:20 PM ET): These games are broadcast on FOX and the NFL Network, though the broadcast rights can vary, including Amazon Prime Video for some games.
Monday Night Football (8:15 PM ET): Broadcast on ESPN, these games provide an exciting conclusion to the NFL week.
Streaming Options
In addition to traditional television broadcasts, fans have numerous streaming options to watch NFL games on Sundays:
NFL Sunday Ticket: This service, available through DirecTV, allows subscribers to watch any Sunday game, regardless of their location. However, it’s primarily marketed to those who cannot watch their local team’s games due to living out of market.
Streaming Services: Various streaming services, such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV, offer packages that include CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, allowing users to stream NFL games.
NFL App and Yahoo! Sports: The official NFL app and Yahoo! Sports app often stream local and prime-time games for free, though this may require a cable subscription for some content.
Full Game Listings
For the most accurate and up-to-date listings, checking the official NFL website or the websites of the broadcast networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) is recommended. These sites provide detailed schedules, including kickoff times, teams playing, and broadcast information. Additionally, social media and sports news outlets offer real-time updates and scores.
Conclusion
The NFL Sunday schedule is a highlight of the football week, offering fans a plethora of games to enjoy. With games spread across different time slots and broadcast networks, there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer the early morning games, the late afternoon contests, or the prime-time matchups, the NFL has you covered. Remember, the schedule can change from week to week, so staying informed through official channels or sports news outlets is key to catching your favorite teams in action.
How can I watch NFL games on Sundays if I don’t have cable?
+There are several streaming services available that offer NFL games, including Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV. These services provide access to CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, allowing you to stream NFL games. Additionally, the NFL App and Yahoo! Sports often stream games for free.
What time do NFL games usually start on Sundays?
+NFL games on Sundays typically start at 1:00 PM ET (early games) and 4:05/4:25 PM ET (late games). There’s also a prime-time game at 8:20 PM ET, known as Sunday Night Football, which is broadcast on NBC.
How do I find the full listings for NFL games on Sundays?
+The full listings for NFL games on Sundays can be found on the official NFL website, as well as on the websites of the broadcast networks such as CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. These sites provide detailed schedules, including kickoff times, teams playing, and broadcast information.
