What Teams Play on Sunday Night Football?

By Sarah Miller · October 26, 2047

Sunday Night Football features a rotating schedule of NFL teams, with matchups determined weekly by the league to showcase marquee games; in 2025, these include high-profile teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers.

Understanding Sunday Night Football

Sunday Night Football (SNF) is one of the most-watched weekly sports broadcasts in the United States. Airing on NBC since 2006, it highlights top National Football League (NFL) matchups each week during the regular season. The game typically kicks off at 8:20 PM Eastern Time and rotates among different teams based on performance, popularity, and playoff implications.

What Makes a Team Appear on SNF?

Teams with strong records or playoff contention
Marketable franchises with large national fanbases
High-stakes divisional or rivalry games
Late-season matchups with postseason implications
Games featuring star quarterbacks or breakout players

How the NFL Schedules Sunday Night Football

The NFL uses flexible scheduling to ensure compelling television content throughout the season. While early-season SNF games are set in advance, later weeks can be adjusted up to 12 days in advance to feature more competitive or significant matchups.

Flexible Scheduling Windows

From Week 5 onward, the league may move games into SNF slots based on team performance and viewer interest. This system maximizes exciting, relevant games during prime time.

Team	Appearances on SNF (2024 Season)	Win-Loss Record	Avg Viewers (Millions)
Kansas City Chiefs	6	5-1	22.4
Dallas Cowboys	5	3-2	21.8
San Francisco 49ers	5	4-1	20.9
Baltimore Ravens	4	4-0	19.7
Philadelphia Eagles	4	2-2	19.3
Buffalo Bills	4	3-1	18.6

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens consistently draw high viewership due to their winning records and star power. The Chiefs led all teams with an average of 22.4 million viewers per SNF appearance in 2024, reflecting their sustained success and Patrick Mahomes' widespread appeal.

Top Teams Frequently Featured on SNF

Certain franchises appear more often due to their national appeal and consistent competitiveness:

Kansas City Chiefs: Reigning AFC contenders led by Patrick Mahomes
Dallas Cowboys: Most valuable NFL franchise with massive TV draw
San Francisco 49ers: Consistent playoff team with elite defense and offense
Green Bay Packers: Historic brand and loyal fanbase
Philadelphia Eagles: NFC powerhouse with passionate following

Viewership and Broadcast Details

NBC holds exclusive rights to Sunday Night Football through 2033 as part of a $7 billion media deal. The broadcast includes pre-game show Football Night in America and features commentary by Al Michaels (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) in 2025.

Streaming options include:

Peacock (exclusive streaming home for select games)
NFL+ app
NBC Sports website and app (authentication required)

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunday Night Football

Which teams play on Sunday Night Football this week?

The matchup varies weekly. For the current week’s game, check the official NFL schedule on NFL.com or NBCSports.com. Games are typically announced several weeks in advance, with potential changes via flexible scheduling.

Why do some teams appear more often on SNF?

Teams with larger fan bases, winning records, or star players are prioritized to maximize viewership. The NFL schedules marquee matchups to maintain high ratings throughout the season.

Can the Sunday Night Football game change after the schedule is released?

Yes. Using flexible scheduling, the NFL can reschedule games up to 12 days in advance starting in Week 5 to feature more competitive or meaningful matchups.

What time does Sunday Night Football start?

All Sunday Night Football games kick off at 8:20 PM Eastern Time (7:20 PM Central, 5:20 PM Pacific), following a one-hour pre-game show.

How can I watch Sunday Night Football without cable?

You can stream SNF games live on Peacock, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV. Peacock streams select games exclusively, making it essential for full access.