Who Plays Football on Sunday NFL? Full Schedule Guide

By Sarah Miller · November 15, 2053

The NFL games are played on Sundays by all 32 teams in the league, with matchups rotating weekly based on the official NFL schedule. The Sunday slate typically includes early and late afternoon games, plus a prime-time matchup.

Understanding NFL Sunday Game Structure

NFL Sundays are a cornerstone of American sports culture, featuring multiple games across different time slots. These games involve all 32 teams in the league, organized into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC).

Key Time Slots for Sunday Games

Early Afternoon Games: Kick off at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
Late Afternoon Games: Start at 4:05 or 4:25 PM Eastern Time.
Sunday Night Football: A marquee primetime game airing weekly on NBC at 8:20 PM ET.

Each week, different teams play based on the NFL’s pre-season scheduling algorithm, which balances divisional, inter-conference, and cross-conference matchups.

How Teams Are Scheduled Each Sunday

The NFL releases its full season schedule each April, detailing every team’s opponents and game dates. The rotation ensures fairness and competitive balance.

Factors Influencing Weekly Matchups

Divisional games (6 games per team annually)
Same-conference inter-division matchups (4 teams from another division)
Cross-conference rotation (one AFC vs NFC division per year)
Plus two additional games based on prior season standings

Week	Game (Example Matchup)	Time (ET)	TV Network
1	Kansas City Chiefs vs Detroit Lions	4:25 PM	Fox
2	Dallas Cowboys vs Cincinnati Bengals	1:00 PM	CBS
3	Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens	4:25 PM	CBS
4	San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks	4:05 PM	Fox
5	Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints	1:00 PM	CBS
6	Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders	8:20 PM	NBC

Table data source:NFL Official Schedule

This table illustrates how teams rotate through Sunday time slots across the early, late, and primetime windows. Networks like CBS and Fox broadcast regional afternoon games, while NBC holds exclusive rights to Sunday Night Football. Scheduling ensures national exposure for top teams and rivalries.

Where to Find This Week's NFL Sunday Matchups

To determine which teams are playing on any given Sunday, fans can consult the official NFL website, mobile apps, or TV network schedules (CBS, Fox, NBC). Additionally, sports platforms like ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and Bleacher Report publish weekly previews.

Check the NFL app for real-time updates and local broadcast info
Use sports betting sites for odds and game times
Follow team-specific social media accounts for fan-focused content

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays Football on Sunday NFL

Who plays football on Sunday in the NFL this week?

All 32 NFL teams are scheduled to play one game per week during the 18-week regular season, with most games occurring on Sundays. The exact teams vary weekly and can be found on the official NFL schedule released each April.

Are all NFL teams guaranteed to play on Sunday?

Yes, during the regular season, all NFL teams play one game per week, and the majority of these games are scheduled on Sundays. Exceptions include Thursday, Monday, and international games, but every team plays at least 13 Sunday games per season.

What time do NFL Sunday games start?

NFL Sunday games start at either 1:00 PM or 4:05/4:25 PM Eastern Time for afternoon slots, with a prime-time game kicking off at 8:20 PM ET as part of Sunday Night Football.

Which networks broadcast NFL Sunday games?

CBS and Fox broadcast regional Sunday afternoon games, alternating between AFC and NFC primary coverage. NBC airs the weekly Sunday Night Football game nationally.

Do playoff games happen on Sundays?

Yes, NFL playoff games are held on weekends, including Wild Card, Divisional, and Conference Championship rounds, with most taking place on Sundays. The Super Bowl is traditionally played on a Sunday evening.