What Time Does the NFL Game Start Today?

By Sarah Miller · April 21, 2035

The start time for today's NFL football game depends on the schedule, but most games are held at 1:00 PM, 4:05 PM, 4:25 PM, or 8:20 PM Eastern Time. Check your local TV listings or the official NFL website for exact times and matchups specific to your region.

Understanding Today's NFL Game Start Times

NFL game times vary based on day of the week, broadcast network, and whether the game is regional or nationally televised. The most common kickoff times during the regular season are:

1:00 PM ET – Typically features regional afternoon games on CBS and FOX
4:05 PM ET or 4:25 PM ET – Late afternoon games, often with regional or interconference matchups
8:20 PM ET – Primetime Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, or Sunday Night Football games
Special times – Games on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or international series may have unique start times

Factors That Influence Kickoff Schedules

Several elements determine when an NFL game starts on any given day:

Day of the week: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday games follow different scheduling patterns
Broadcast rights: Networks like NBC, ESPN, Amazon Prime, and FOX negotiate exclusive time slots
Geographic location: Local market games may differ from national broadcasts
Flex scheduling: In Weeks 11–18, the NFL may reschedule certain games for better viewership
Weather or emergencies: Rarely, games may be delayed or moved

NFL Game Times by Day of the Week

Sunday Games

Sundays host the majority of NFL games, split into two main windows:

Early Afternoon (1:00 PM ET): Regional games aired on CBS (AFC-focused) and FOX (NFC-focused)
Late Afternoon (4:05 PM or 4:25 PM ET): Usually features interconference or high-interest matchups

Monday Night Football

One marquee game typically kicks off at 8:20 PM ET on ESPN, though additional games may now air on ABC or ESPN+ due to expanded broadcasting deals.

Thursday Night Football

These games usually start at 8:15 PM ET and are broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, with select games on FOX or NFL Network.

Saturday & Special Event Games

Toward the end of the season, Saturday games appear in December, generally at 1:00 PM ET or 4:30 PM ET. Holiday games (e.g., Christmas Day) may have non-traditional start times based on network agreements.

Date	Matchup	Time (ET)	Network	Location
October 26, 2025	Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos	4:25 PM	CBS	Empower Field at Mile High
October 27, 2025	Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles	8:20 PM	NBC	AT&T Stadium
October 30, 2025	Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime	MetLife Stadium
November 2, 2025	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	1:00 PM	FOX	Levi's Stadium
November 6, 2025	Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime	M&T Bank Stadium

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows upcoming NFL games in late October and early November 2025. Most Sunday matchups occur in the early or late afternoon, while primetime games dominate Monday and Thursday nights. National broadcasts like Sunday Night Football and Thursday Night Football consistently draw higher viewership due to broader accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About NFL Game Start Times

What time does the main NFL game start today?

The primary NFL game on Sundays typically starts at either 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET, depending on the matchup and broadcast network. For primetime games on Monday or Thursday, kickoffs are usually at 8:15 PM or 8:20 PM ET.

Are all NFL games played at the same time?

No, NFL games are scheduled across multiple time slots to accommodate regional broadcasts and national television coverage. Sunday games are staggered at 1:00 PM and 4:05/4:25 PM ET, while primetime games occur on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights.

How do I find out what time my team’s game starts today?

You can check the official NFL website, use the NFL Mobile app, or consult your local TV provider for real-time updates. Third-party sites like ESPN.com also provide accurate, up-to-date schedules.

Do NFL game times change after the season starts?

Yes. Under the NFL’s flexible scheduling policy, certain Sunday games in Weeks 11–18 may be moved to later time slots (e.g., from 1:00 PM to 4:25 PM ET) or to primetime to ensure more compelling matchups are widely viewed.

What time do NFL games start in different time zones?

NFL games are listed in Eastern Time. For other U.S. time zones: 1:00 PM ET = 12:00 PM CT, 11:00 AM MT, and 10:00 AM PT. An 8:20 PM ET kickoff starts at 7:20 PM CT, 6:20 PM MT, and 5:20 PM PT.