What Time Does the NFL Game Start Tonight?

By Sarah Miller · July 5, 2042

The start time for tonight's NFL football game depends on the day of the week and broadcast schedule. Most regular-season NFL games are played on Sundays, Mondays, or Thursdays. If there is an NFL game tonight, it will typically begin at either 8:15 PM ET (20:15 Eastern Time) for Monday Night Football or Thursday Night Football, or 8:20 PM ET if part of a special event like Super Bowl LVIII kickoff. For Sunday games, afternoon matchups usually start at 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET depending on network and time zone. Always confirm with your local TV provider or the official NFL schedule for exact times.

When Are NFL Games Typically Scheduled?

NFL games follow a consistent weekly broadcast pattern across major networks including ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC, Amazon Prime Video, and NFL Network. The league schedules games to maximize viewership across different time zones in the United States.

Weekly Game Slots and Broadcast Networks

Sunday Afternoons: Two sets of regional games aired by FOX and CBS—early window at 1:00 PM ET and late window at 4:25 PM ET.
Sunday Nights: One marquee matchup weekly on NBC starting at 8:20 PM ET.
Monday Night Football: ESPN broadcasts one game weekly beginning at 8:15 PM ET.
Thursday Night Football: Primarily streamed on Amazon Prime Video with kickoffs at 8:15 PM ET.
Special Events: Holiday games (e.g., Christmas Day) may feature multiple games across various times, including daytime and primetime slots.

How to Find Tonight’s NFL Kickoff Time

If you're asking "what time does the NFL football game start tonight," consider these steps to get accurate information:

Check Current Week’s Schedule

The NFL releases its full season schedule each April, with weekly updates available via the official NFL website. You can filter by date, team, or network.

Use Reliable Sports Apps

NFL Mobile App – provides real-time updates and push notifications.
ESPN App – lists all upcoming games with countdown clocks.
Google Search – typing “NFL games tonight” returns a featured snippet with start times.

Consider Time Zones

All listed times are in Eastern Time (ET). Adjust accordingly based on your location:

Pacific Time (PT): Subtract 3 hours (e.g., 8:15 PM ET = 5:15 PM PT).
Mountain Time (MT): Subtract 2 hours.
Central Time (CT): Subtract 1 hour.

Game Day	Start Time (ET)	Broadcast Network	Average Viewers (Millions)	Weeks Active (2024 Season)
Sunday (Early)	1:00 PM	FOX / CBS	19.8	18 weeks
Sunday (Late)	4:25 PM	FOX / CBS	22.5	18 weeks
Sunday Night	8:20 PM	NBC	18.7	18 weeks
Monday Night	8:15 PM	ESPN	11.3	17 weeks
Thursday Night	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime	9.6	16 weeks
Thanksgiving Day	12:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 8:20 PM	FOX, CBS, NBC	24.1 (avg)	1 week

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that late Sunday afternoon games draw the highest average viewership among weekend windows, while primetime games maintain strong national interest. Thursday Night Football has seen steady streaming growth since moving exclusively to Amazon Prime Video in 2023. Thanksgiving tripleheaders remain among the most-watched annual events in U.S. sports television.

Factors That Can Change Kickoff Times

While most NFL games adhere to fixed schedules, several factors may lead to adjustments:

Flexible Scheduling

The NFL uses flexible scheduling during Weeks 5–18 to ensure compelling matchups are televised nationally. This primarily affects Sunday night and Monday night games, which can be moved up to six days in advance.

Weather Delays

Extreme weather conditions such as lightning, heavy snow, or field issues can delay kickoff or cause postponement. These are rare but possible, especially in outdoor northern stadiums.

TV Network Requests

NBC, ESPN, and Amazon may request adjustments for programming balance or playoff implications, subject to league approval.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tonight’s NFL Game Start Time

What time does the NFL football game start tonight if it's Monday?

Most Monday Night Football games kick off at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET), though occasional doubleheaders may include an early game at 7:15 PM ET during specific weeks like Week 1 or playoff scenarios.

Is there an NFL game every night?

No, NFL games are only scheduled on select nights: primarily Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. There are no regular Tuesday or Wednesday games unless due to rescheduling from extreme circumstances.

Do NFL game times change?

Yes, through the NFL's flexible scheduling policy, certain games—especially Sunday Night Football—can be rescheduled up to six days in advance to feature more competitive matchups as the season progresses.

How do I watch tonight’s NFL game live?

You can stream live NFL games via official platforms: NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN (Monday Night Football), Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football), or using services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV that carry local and national networks.

Are all NFL games shown on TV?

Not all games are nationally televised. Sunday afternoon games are regionally broadcast based on market preferences. Only primetime games (Sunday, Monday, Thursday nights) and select holiday games are available nationwide.