When Does Sunday Night Football Start in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · December 29, 2035

Sunday Night Football typically starts at 8:20 PM Eastern Time (ET) on NBC, following a pre-game show that begins at 7:00 PM ET. The exact kickoff time may vary slightly depending on the week, network scheduling, or special events like holidays or doubleheaders.

What Is Sunday Night Football?

Sunday Night Football (SNF) is the National Football League's (NFL) weekly primetime game broadcast on NBC. It features marquee matchups from around the league and is one of the most-watched television programs in the United States during the NFL season.

Key Features of SNF

Broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock
Features top NFL teams and storylines
Includes high-profile commentary team (Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark)
Often includes flex scheduling in the second half of the season

When Does Sunday Night Football Start in 2025?

For the 2025 NFL season, Sunday Night Football will begin at 8:20 PM ET, starting in September. This start time applies to most weeks, though occasional variations occur due to:

West Coast games (e.g., Pacific Time teams)
Doubleheader weeks with CBS or Fox
Holiday games (Thanksgiving lead-in, Christmas Eve)
Weather-related delays or rescheduling

Pre-Game Coverage Schedule

NBC's Football Night in America provides pre-game analysis starting at 7:00 PM ET. Here’s the typical timeline:

Time (ET)	Event
7:00 PM	Football Night in America begins
7:30 PM	In-depth analysis and injury reports
8:00 PM	Live look-ins and final updates
8:20 PM	Sunday Night Football kickoff

2025 Sunday Night Football Schedule Overview

Date	Matchup	Location	Start Time (ET)	Network
Sep 14, 2025	Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens	Arrowhead Stadium, MO	8:20 PM	NBC
Sep 28, 2025	Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants	MetLife Stadium, NJ	8:20 PM	NBC
Oct 12, 2025	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	Levi's Stadium, CA	8:20 PM	NBC
Nov 9, 2025	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders	Lincoln Financial Field, PA	8:20 PM	NBC
Dec 21, 2025	Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals (Flex Game)	SoFi Stadium, CA	8:15 PM	NBC

Table data source:NFL Official Schedule, NBC Sports

The table shows consistent 8:20 PM ET kickoffs for most games, with minor adjustments possible in December due to flex scheduling. Flex scheduling allows the NFL to swap in more competitive matchups later in the season to maximize viewership.

Data confirms that Sunday Night Football remains a cornerstone of NFL broadcasting, with prime East and West Coast matchups strategically placed to capture national audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunday Night Football

What time does Sunday Night Football start in 2025?

Sunday Night Football in 2025 starts at 8:20 PM Eastern Time (ET) on NBC. Pre-game coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET with Football Night in America.

Is Sunday Night Football always at the same time?

Most games start at 8:20 PM ET, but kickoff times can vary slightly—especially for West Coast games or holiday weeks. In rare cases, games may start at 8:15 PM ET due to broadcast logistics.

How can I watch Sunday Night Football live?

You can watch Sunday Night Football on NBC, via cable/satellite providers, or stream it live on Peacock, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and other authorized platforms.

What is flex scheduling in Sunday Night Football?

Flex scheduling allows the NFL to change the originally scheduled SNF game after Week 5, typically in Weeks 11–18, to feature more compelling matchups based on team performance and playoff implications.

Who are the Sunday Night Football commentators in 2025?

As of 2025, Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), and Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) form the primary broadcast team for Sunday Night Football on NBC.