What Channel Is the Football Game On Tonight?

By Sarah Miller · December 29, 2035

If you're wondering what channel the football game is on, major U.S. networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network broadcast games weekly. Sunday afternoon games are typically on CBS and FOX, Sunday nights on NBC's Sunday Night Football, and Monday nights on ESPN or ABC. For real-time updates, check your local listings or use the NFL's official TV schedule tool.

How to Find What Channel the Football Game Is On

Finding the correct channel for a football game depends on the day, time, teams playing, and your location. The NFL season runs from September to January, with playoff games extending into February. Broadcast rights are shared among several major networks, each airing games on specific days.

Primary Networks Broadcasting Football Games

CBS: AFC package – Sunday afternoon games (1:00 PM and 4:05/4:25 PM ET)
FOX: NFC package – Sunday afternoon regional coverage
NBC: Sunday Night Football – Primetime national game every week
ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football – Weekly primetime game
NFL Network: Exclusive Thursday Night Football and select special games
Amazon Prime Video: Exclusive Thursday Night Football streaming starting 2022

Factors That Affect Which Channel a Game Airs On

Several variables determine where a game is televised:

Day of the week: Different networks hold rights for different days
Team popularity: High-demand matchups often get national coverage
Market size: Local markets influence regional broadcasts
Flex scheduling: NBC can change Sunday Night Football matchups up to six weeks in advance
Streaming exclusives: Some games only air digitally (e.g., Amazon Prime)

2025 NFL Regular Season Broadcast Schedule Overview

Game Day	Broadcast Network	Start Time (ET)	Typical Coverage	Streaming Option
Sunday (Early)	CBS & FOX	1:00 PM	Regional (AFC/NFC focus)	Paramount+, Fox Sports App
Sunday (Late)	CBS & FOX	4:05 / 4:25 PM	Regional (Doubleheader weeks)	Paramount+, Fox Sports App
Sunday Night	NBC	8:20 PM	National	Peacock, NBC Sports App
Monday Night	ESPN / ABC	8:15 PM	National	ESPN+, Hulu Live
Thursday Night	Amazon Prime Video	8:15 PM	National (Streaming Exclusive)	Prime Video
Thanksgiving	CBS, FOX, NBC	12:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 8:20 PM	National	Mixed platforms

Table data source:NFL Official Schedule, NBC SNF, ESPN NFL

The table highlights the structured nature of NFL broadcasting, ensuring fans have consistent access across platforms. National games dominate primetime slots, while regional Sunday games depend on conference alignment and market demand. Streaming options now match traditional TV availability, reflecting modern viewing habits.

How to Check What Channel Your Game Is On Today

To quickly find out what channel the football game is on today:

Visit NFL.com and use the "TV Schedule" tool
Use the NFL Mobile app for real-time updates
Check your local cable provider’s guide (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum)
Search Google with "[Team Name] vs [Team Name] channel today"
Follow @NFL on X (Twitter) for last-minute changes

Common Questions About Football Game Broadcasts

What channel is the football game on tonight?

The football game tonight is most likely on NBC (Sunday), ESPN or ABC (Monday), or Amazon Prime Video (Thursday). Check the NFL’s official schedule online or search "[team names] vs [team names] channel tonight" on Google for instant results.

Are all football games shown on the same channel?

No, football games are broadcast across multiple networks depending on the day and time. Regional Sunday games appear on CBS and FOX, while primetime games are nationally televised on NBC, ESPN, ABC, or Amazon Prime Video.

Can I stream football games online?

Yes, you can stream all NFL games live via services like Paramount+, Peacock, ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime Video. Most network apps also allow authenticated streaming with a cable login.

Why can't I find my team's game on TV?

Your team’s game may not be televised in your local market due to blackout rules or competing regional broadcasts. Also, some games are exclusive to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime. Use NFL SUNDAY TICKET or NFL+ to access out-of-market games.

Does the channel for football games change during the playoffs?

Yes, playoff games rotate among CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN/ABC based on scheduling agreements. Wild Card and Divisional rounds appear on all major networks, while the Super Bowl rotates annually among them.