When Does the NFL Football Game Start? Full Schedule Guide

By Sarah Miller · February 9, 2030

The start times for NFL football games vary depending on the day, time zone, and broadcast network. Most regular-season games are played on Sundays, with early games kicking off at 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) and late games starting at 4:25 PM or 4:05 PM ET (1:25 PM or 1:05 PM PT). Monday Night Football typically begins at 8:15 PM ET, while Sunday Night Football airs at 8:20 PM ET. Special games like Thanksgiving and international matchups may have unique start times.

Understanding NFL Game Schedules

The National Football League (NFL) follows a structured weekly schedule during its regular season, which runs from early September through early January. Knowing when games start is essential for fans across different time zones and those planning to watch live broadcasts.

Weekly Game Days and Broadcast Windows

NFL games are primarily scheduled across three main days: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. Each day has designated kickoff times based on television broadcasting agreements.

Sunday Afternoon Games: Divided into early and late windows.
Monday Night Football: One marquee game per week.
Sunday Night Football: The featured primetime matchup each week.
Thursday Night Football: Typically one game per week, often featuring high-profile teams.
Special Games: Includes holiday games (e.g., Thanksgiving), Saturday games in December, and international fixtures.

Typical Kickoff Times by Day

The following table outlines standard NFL game start times during the regular season:

Game Day	Typical Start Time (ET)	Time Zone Conversion (PT)	Broadcast Network
Sunday (Early)	1:00 PM	10:00 AM	Fox, CBS
Sunday (Late)	4:05 PM or 4:25 PM	1:05 PM or 1:25 PM	Fox, CBS
Monday Night	8:15 PM	5:15 PM	ESPN, ABC, Netflix (starting 2026)
Sunday Night	8:20 PM	5:20 PM	NBC
Thursday Night	8:15 PM	5:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video
Thanksgiving Day	12:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 8:20 PM	9:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:20 PM	CBS, Fox, NBC
International Series (London)	9:30 AM or 1:00 PM ET	6:30 AM or 10:00 AM PT	Various networks

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that Sunday remains the busiest day for NFL games, with staggered kickoffs allowing regional broadcasts to air multiple matchups. Primetime slots (Monday, Thursday, Sunday nights) feature national broadcasts with consistent start times. International games in London begin earlier in U.S. time zones to accommodate local UK audiences.

Factors That Influence NFL Start Times

Several variables can affect when an NFL game actually begins, even if the scheduled time is fixed.

Television Broadcast Rights

The NFL has long-term contracts with major networks, including CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon. These partnerships dictate broadcast windows and influence scheduling decisions to maximize viewership.

Weather and Delays

Outdoor stadiums may experience weather-related delays, particularly in northern cities during late-season games. While rare, lightning or field conditions can push back kickoff times.

Flexible Scheduling

Late in the season (Weeks 5–17), the NFL uses flexible scheduling to ensure competitive and compelling matchups are televised nationally. This can shift certain Sunday afternoon games to prime-time slots.

Global Games

The NFL International Series, held in London, Munich, and São Paulo, adjusts start times to suit both local and U.S. audiences. For example, London games often begin at 9:30 AM ET to align with afternoon viewing in the UK.

How to Find Exact Game Times

To get precise start times for upcoming games, fans should consult official sources:

NFL.com Schedule Page
NFL Mobile App (real-time updates)
Team-specific websites and social media channels
Broadcast network listings (CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, Amazon)

Additionally, fantasy football players and bettors often rely on accurate timing for lineup decisions and live wagering.

Frequently Asked Questions About NFL Game Start Times

What time does the first NFL game start on Sunday?

The earliest regular Sunday NFL games typically kick off at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Pacific Time). These are usually regional broadcasts split between CBS and Fox, depending on the type of game (AFC or NFC heavy).

When does Monday Night Football start?

Monday Night Football games generally begin at 8:15 PM Eastern Time. Starting in 2026, select MNF games will stream exclusively on Netflix, but the kickoff time is expected to remain consistent.

What time is Sunday Night Football?

Sunday Night Football airs weekly at 8:20 PM Eastern Time. It is broadcast nationally on NBC and features one of the most anticipated matchups of the week.

Do NFL game times change during the season?

Yes, due to flexible scheduling, some Sunday afternoon games may be moved to primetime slots (Sunday or Monday night) in Weeks 5 through 17 to ensure more competitive matchups are nationally televised. Changes are announced several weeks in advance.

Why do some NFL games start at 4:05 PM and others at 4:25 PM ET?

The variation in late Sunday kickoff times (4:05 vs. 4:25 PM ET) allows broadcasters to manage regional game overruns and ensure smooth transitions into national programming. Games with higher anticipated viewership or playoff implications often receive the later window.

Are there NFL games on Saturdays?

Yes, during the final weeks of the regular season (typically mid-to-late December), the NFL schedules games on Saturdays. These are treated like Sunday games in terms of broadcast windows and usually start at 1:00 PM or 4:30 PM ET.

What time do NFL games start in the UK?

In the UK, NFL games played in London typically begin at 1:30 PM or 5:30 PM local time (BST/GMT). U.S.-based games air live in the evening or overnight, with Sunday early games starting around 6:00 PM UK time and primetime games at 1:00 AM the next day.