What Time Does Sunday Football Start? NFL Kickoff Times

By Sarah Miller · May 23, 2037

Sunday NFL football games typically start at 1:00 PM and 4:25 PM Eastern Time (ET), with Sunday Night Football kicking off at 8:20 PM ET. These times apply to most regular-season matchups, though occasional adjustments occur for special events or international games.

Understanding Sunday NFL Kickoff Times

The National Football League (NFL) schedules its Sunday games to maximize viewership across time zones, offering fans multiple windows to enjoy live action. The primary kickoff slots are designed to accommodate both early and late audiences while avoiding overlap with other major sports broadcasts.

Standard Sunday Game Windows

Early Afternoon Games: Most start at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT).
Late Afternoon Games: Typically begin at 4:25 PM ET (1:25 PM PT).
Sunday Night Football: A weekly primetime showcase starting at 8:20 PM ET.

These staggered start times allow fans to follow multiple games throughout the day, especially when flex scheduling is applied later in the season.

NFL Broadcast Networks and Scheduling

Different networks hold rights to broadcast Sunday games, which influences start times and availability:

Fox and CBS: Air regional coverage of early and late afternoon games.
NBC: Exclusively broadcasts Sunday Night Football each week.
Amazon Prime Video: Streams Thursday Night Football, but does not affect Sunday scheduling.

Networks coordinate with the NFL to ensure national exposure for marquee matchups, particularly during the late window and primetime.

Flex Scheduling and Special Adjustments

Starting in Week 5 of the season, the NFL implements flexible scheduling to feature more competitive games in prime slots.

Key Points About Flex Scheduling

Games can be moved from 1:00 PM to 4:25 PM ET up to six weeks in advance.
Sunday Night Football matchups are usually confirmed six days before game day.
International games (e.g., London series) may start as early as 9:30 AM ET.

This system ensures high-stakes games receive maximum exposure, especially during the playoff stretch.

2025 Regular Season Sunday Kickoff Times by Network

Game Window	Airing Network	Typical Start Time (ET)	Notes
Early Afternoon	CBS / Fox	1:00 PM	Regional broadcasts; varies by location
Late Afternoon	CBS / Fox	4:25 PM	Nationally televised games often scheduled here
Primetime	NBC	8:20 PM	Sunday Night Football; weekly marquee matchup
International (London)	Fox / NBC / CBS	9:30 AM or 1:00 PM ET	Matches aired live in U.S. morning hours

Table data source:NFL Official Schedule, NBC Sports

The table highlights how the NFL strategically distributes games across broadcast windows to optimize viewer engagement. The 4:25 PM ET slot has increasingly featured top-tier matchups due to higher national ratings. International games add complexity, requiring earlier starts to align with local time in the UK.

How to Find Exact Start Times Each Week

To stay updated on exact kickoff times:

Check the official NFL schedule weekly.
Monitor team websites and apps for local broadcast details.
Use TV provider guides or streaming platforms like NFL+ for real-time updates.
Enable alerts through NBC Sports or network apps for Sunday Night Football changes.

Start times can shift due to weather, playoff implications, or broadcast decisions—especially under flex scheduling rules.

Common Questions About Sunday Football Start Times

What time does Sunday NFL football start in Eastern Time?

Most Sunday NFL games start at 1:00 PM and 4:25 PM Eastern Time, with Sunday Night Football beginning at 8:20 PM ET.

Do all Sunday NFL games start at the same time?

No, games are spread across three main windows: 1:00 PM, 4:25 PM, and 8:20 PM ET, allowing fans to watch multiple matchups.

Can Sunday afternoon games be moved to primetime?

Yes, under flex scheduling (Week 5 onward), select late afternoon games can be shifted to the Sunday Night Football 8:20 PM ET slot.

What time do London NFL games start on Sundays in the U.S.?

NFL games in London typically start at 9:30 AM or 1:00 PM ET, depending on the stadium and broadcast agreement.

Is Sunday Night Football always at 8:20 PM ET?

Yes, Sunday Night Football consistently kicks off at 8:20 PM ET on NBC, with rare exceptions for special events or global broadcasts.