The National Football League (NFL) typically plays its games on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, but there are instances where games are scheduled on Saturdays. This usually occurs during the later part of the season, specifically in the weeks leading up to the playoffs and during the postseason. However, for the 2023 season and beyond, the NFL has secured a deal that includes Saturday games as part of its regular-season schedule, particularly in the later weeks.
Regular Season Saturday Games
In recent years, the NFL has started to include Saturday games in its regular-season schedule, usually beginning in Week 15 or Week 16. These games are part of the league’s effort to expand its reach and provide more content to fans during the holiday season. The exact schedule for these Saturday games, including the teams playing and the times, is typically announced well in advance, but the specific matchups and times can vary from year to year.
NFL Playoff Schedule
After the regular season concludes, the NFL enters its postseason phase, culminating in the Super Bowl. The playoff schedule often includes Saturday games, particularly during the Wild Card Round and the Divisional Round. These games are crucial as they determine which teams will advance to the Conference Championships and eventually to the Super Bowl.
Schedule for 2023 and Beyond
For the upcoming seasons, including 2023, fans can expect an expanded presence of Saturday games. The NFL has announced plans to include more Saturday matchups in its schedule, aiming to capitalize on the popularity of football during the weekends. While the full schedule for future seasons will be released at a later date, it’s anticipated that Saturdays will become a more regular part of the NFL’s scheduling strategy.
How to Watch NFL Games on Saturday
Fans interested in watching NFL games on Saturday can do so through various platforms. The NFL offers its games through traditional television broadcasting partners, including NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN, depending on the game. Additionally, games are available through streaming services such as NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games, and in some cases, games may be streamed on the NFL’s official app or website. It’s also worth checking with local and national sports networks for coverage.
Key Dates to Watch
- Week 15 and Week 16 of the Regular Season: These weeks often feature Saturday games as part of the NFL’s regular-season schedule.
- Wild Card Round and Divisional Round: Playoff games are frequently scheduled on Saturdays, with the exact dates and times announced after the conclusion of the regular season.
- NFL Playoff Schedule Release: The full playoff schedule, including Saturday games, is typically announced after the final week of the regular season.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Saturday games in the NFL schedule adds an exciting layer to the football season, providing fans with more opportunities to watch their favorite teams and players in action. As the league continues to evolve and adapt to fan preferences, the scheduling of games on Saturdays is likely to become a more significant part of the NFL’s strategy to engage its audience and expand its reach.
FAQ Section
When does the NFL typically play games on Saturdays?
+The NFL typically plays games on Saturdays during the later part of the regular season, specifically in Weeks 15 and 16, and during the postseason, including the Wild Card Round and the Divisional Round.
How can I watch NFL games on Saturday?
+Fans can watch NFL games on Saturday through traditional television broadcasting partners like NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN, or through streaming services such as NFL Sunday Ticket and the NFL app.
Are Saturday games part of the regular NFL season schedule?
+Yes, the NFL has included Saturday games as part of its regular-season schedule, starting in the later weeks of the season. This is in addition to the Saturday games played during the postseason.
By embracing the shift towards including more Saturday games, the NFL aims to enhance the fan experience, offering more opportunities for engagement and excitement throughout the season. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, the addition of Saturday games to the NFL schedule is sure to bring an extra layer of anticipation and enjoyment to the football season.
