The National Football League (NFL) typically plays its games on Sundays, with some games also taking place on Mondays and Thursdays. However, during certain periods of the season, you can catch NFL football on Saturdays. This usually occurs towards the end of the regular season and during the playoffs.
Regular Season Saturdays
The NFL often schedules a limited number of regular season games on Saturdays in late December, typically after the college football season has concluded. This is partly to avoid competing with college football games, which are extremely popular on Saturdays during their season. The exact dates and matchups for these Saturday games are usually announced well in advance, allowing fans to plan accordingly.
Playoff Saturdays
Once the NFL regular season concludes, the league enters its postseason phase, which includes the Wild Card Round, Divisional Round, Conference Championships, and ultimately, the Super Bowl. During the playoffs, it’s common for the NFL to schedule games on Saturdays, in addition to the traditional Sunday games. The Wild Card Round, for instance, often features games on both Saturday and Sunday, providing an exciting weekend of football for fans.
NFL Network and Christmas Games
The NFL Network occasionally broadcasts games on Saturdays, especially around Christmas time. These games can be a special treat for fans, offering an extra day of football during the holiday season. The scheduling of these games is carefully planned to maximize viewership and provide a festive atmosphere for those watching.
How to Watch
Watching NFL games on Saturdays can be as simple as tuning into your local TV station if the game is broadcast nationally or features your local team. For games not available on local TV, the NFL offers several viewing options: - NFL Sunday Ticket: While primarily for Sunday games, some Saturday games might be included, especially during the playoffs. - NFL RedZone: Provides live coverage of all Sunday games, but some Saturday games might be shown, especially if they are nationally broadcast. - Streaming Services: Platforms like ESPN+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and the NFL app often stream NFL games, including those on Saturdays. - Sports Bars and Restaurants: For a more communal experience, fans can watch games at local sports bars and restaurants that carry NFL broadcasts.
Game Day Guide for Saturdays
To make the most of your NFL Saturday experience, consider the following tips: - Check the Schedule: Always verify the schedule for the week to see which teams are playing on Saturday and at what times. - Plan Ahead: If you’re planning to attend a game or watch at a sports bar, make reservations or arrive early to secure a good spot. - Combine with Holiday Activities: For games around holidays like Christmas, consider integrating your game day with other festive activities for a fun-filled day. - Invite Friends Over: Hosting a game day party can be a great way to enjoy the game with friends and family, complete with snacks, drinks, and football-themed decorations.
By being aware of the NFL’s scheduling practices and planning accordingly, you can enjoy the excitement of NFL football on Saturdays, whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home, at a sports bar, or live at the stadium.
