What Time Are the NFL Football Games Today?

By Sarah Miller · April 23, 2044

Today's NFL games start at various times depending on the day, with most Sunday matchups beginning at 1:00 PM and 4:25 PM ET, while Sunday Night Football kicks off at 8:20 PM ET. Monday and Thursday night games typically start at 8:15 PM or 8:20 PM ET.

When Are NFL Games Played Today?

The NFL schedules games across multiple days each week, primarily on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. The exact start times vary based on network broadcasting agreements and time zones. For viewers in the Eastern Time Zone, the bulk of regular-season games occur on Sundays.

Sunday Game Schedules

Sundays feature the highest number of matchups, divided into early and late afternoon slots, followed by a primetime game.

Early Games: Kick off at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Pacific)
Late Games: Begin at 4:25 PM Eastern Time (1:25 PM Pacific)
Sunday Night Football: Starts at 8:20 PM Eastern Time (5:20 PM Pacific)

Monday Night Football

One marquee game is broadcast every Monday during the season, usually starting at 8:15 PM or 8:20 PM ET.

Thursday Night Football

A weekly game airs on Thursdays at 8:15 PM ET throughout the regular season, often featuring high-profile teams.

NFL Game Times by Time Zone

NFL game start times are standardized in Eastern Time but shift accordingly across U.S. time zones. Here’s how they translate:

ET (Eastern)	CT (Central)	MT (Mountain)	PT (Pacific)	Game Type
1:00 PM	12:00 PM	11:00 AM	10:00 AM	Early Sunday
4:25 PM	3:25 PM	2:25 PM	1:25 PM	Late Sunday
8:15 PM	7:15 PM	6:15 PM	5:15 PM	Monday/Thursday Night
8:20 PM	7:20 PM	6:20 PM	5:20 PM	Sunday Night Football
4:25 PM	3:25 PM	2:25 PM	1:25 PM	Week 16 Saturday Doubleheader
8:15 PM	7:15 PM	6:15 PM	5:15 PM	Week 17 Saturday Game

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that early Sunday games begin at 10:00 AM PT, making them accessible for West Coast fans despite the early hour. Late afternoon and primetime games dominate national viewership, especially Sunday Night Football, which consistently ranks among the most-watched TV programs.

How to Find Today’s NFL Game Schedule

To get real-time updates on today's NFL games, check official sources such as:

NFL.com – Official league site with full schedule and live scores
ESPN NFL Schedule – Detailed game times, TV networks, and streaming links
CBS Sports – Broadcast-specific scheduling for CBS games
FOX Sports – Coverage details for FOX-broadcast matchups

Mobile apps like the NFL App, ESPN, and Yahoo Sports also provide push notifications and live tracking for all ongoing games.

TV Networks and Streaming Options for NFL Games

Different games are broadcast across major networks and streaming platforms:

CBS & FOX: Air most regional Sunday afternoon games
NBC: Home of Sunday Night Football
ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football simulcast on both networks in 2025
Amazon Prime Video: Exclusive home of Thursday Night Football
NFL+: Mobile streaming service for live local and primetime games

For cord-cutters, services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV carry all major networks and allow DVR functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Today’s NFL Game Times

What time do NFL games start today if it’s a Sunday?

On Sundays, NFL games typically start at 1:00 PM and 4:25 PM Eastern Time for afternoon matchups, with Sunday Night Football kicking off at 8:20 PM ET.

Are there any NFL games today? How can I check?

If today is between September and early January, there are likely games. Check NFL.com/schedules or use the NFL app to confirm whether games are scheduled for today.

What time is Monday Night Football tonight?

Monday Night Football usually starts at 8:15 PM or 8:20 PM Eastern Time and is broadcast on ESPN and ABC.

Does the NFL play games on Saturdays?

Yes, the NFL schedules Saturday games during Weeks 15–18 of the regular season, typically two games on Saturday afternoons and evenings in late December.

Can I watch today’s NFL games online for free?

You can stream select games for free via network websites (e.g., NBC.com) or apps with authentication. Amazon Prime streams Thursday Night Football free for Prime members.