Who Plays Football on Sunday in the NFL?

By Sarah Miller · February 5, 2033

The NFL games on Sunday are played by 14 teams each week during the regular season, divided into matchups across early and late afternoon time slots, with specific teams rotating based on the weekly schedule released by the league.

Understanding Sunday NFL Football

Sunday is the most prominent day for NFL games, featuring the majority of weekly matchups. These games are central to American football culture and attract millions of viewers nationwide.

Why Are Most NFL Games Played on Sundays?

The tradition dates back to the 1960s when television networks standardized Sunday broadcasts.
NFL rules limit games on Fridays and Saturdays to protect high school and college football.
Sundays provide maximum viewership due to fewer competing professional sports.
The NFL Anti-Trust exemption under the Sports Broadcasting Act supports this scheduling model.

Breakdown of Sunday NFL Game Slots

The NFL organizes Sunday games into three primary windows: early afternoon (1:00 PM ET), late afternoon (4:05 or 4:25 PM ET), and flexible scheduling options introduced later in the season.

Standard Sunday Broadcast Schedule

Early Window: Typically four games at 1:00 PM ET.
Late Window: Four games starting at 4:05 PM or 4:25 PM ET.
National Broadcasts: One game often aired nationally via CBS and FOX depending on conference affiliation.
Fox & CBS Coverage: Regional broadcasts split based on market and team popularity.

Time Slot (ET)	Broadcast Network	Average Viewership (Millions)	Number of Games (Avg/Week)
1:00 PM	CBS / FOX	18.7	4
4:05 PM / 4:25 PM	CBS / FOX	22.3	4
8:20 PM	NBC Sunday Night Football	20.1	1
Flexible Scheduling (Weeks 5–18)	CBS / FOX	+12% increase	Adjustable

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows that late afternoon games draw higher average audiences than early windows, reflecting peak viewer availability. Flexible scheduling increases competitiveness and ratings by moving marquee matchups to more visible slots. National broadcasts like Sunday Night Football consistently rank among the most-watched programs weekly.

How Teams Are Selected for Sunday Games

The NFL schedules Sunday matchups months in advance, with adjustments made for competitive balance and broadcast appeal.

Key Factors Influencing Matchups

Team performance from the previous season
Geographic market size and TV ratings history
Historic rivalries (e.g., Packers vs. Bears)
Diversity of conference pairings (AFC vs NFC rotation)
Prime-time eligibility based on fan interest metrics

About NFL Team Rotations and Scheduling

Each NFL season consists of 18 weeks, with 17 game weeks and one bye week per team. Of the 272 total games, approximately 136 are played on Sundays.

Every team plays 17 games, with around nine or ten occurring on Sundays unless they are selected for Monday or Thursday night games.

Sample Weekly Rotation

Week 1: 14 teams play on Sunday
Week 2: Different set of 14 teams (some overlap due to byes)
Midseason: High-profile teams appear more frequently in national windows
End of Season: Flex scheduling prioritizes playoff-relevant contests

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays Football on Sunday in the NFL

Which teams play on Sunday in the NFL this week?

The specific teams vary weekly. The official NFL schedule, updated every Tuesday in the offseason and weekly during the season, lists all matchups. Fans can check nfl.com/schedule for real-time updates.

Are all NFL games on Sunday televised?

Yes, all Sunday games are televised either through local CBS/FOX affiliates or national networks like NBC. Blackout rules were discontinued in 2015, ensuring full broadcast access.

Can an NFL team skip playing on Sunday?

No team avoids Sunday entirely. While some play on Thursdays or Mondays, each team must participate in multiple Sunday games per season as dictated by the league’s scheduling formula.

How does flexible scheduling work on Sundays?

Starting Week 5, the NFL can move more appealing matchups into prime afternoon slots up to 12 days in advance. This ensures fans see competitive, meaningful games later in the season.

Do playoff games happen on Sundays?

Yes, all Wild Card, Divisional, and Conference Championship games are held on weekends, primarily Sundays. The Super Bowl is also played on a Sunday, typically in early February.