Who Plays NFL Football on Sunday? Full Guide & Schedule

By Sarah Miller · May 11, 2041

The NFL games on Sunday are played by 32 professional teams divided into the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC). These matchups, scheduled weekly during the regular season from September to January, feature marquee teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys.

Understanding the NFL Sunday Schedule

Sunday is the heart of the NFL week, hosting the majority of regular-season games. The league strategically schedules matchups to maximize national viewership, team rivalries, and playoff implications. Games typically occur in three time slots: early afternoon (1:00 PM and 4:05 or 4:25 PM ET), with select markets hosting late afternoon games.

Key Elements of NFL Sundays

National Broadcasts: Most Sunday games are televised nationally via CBS and FOX, with coverage determined by conference affiliation and market region.
Flexible Scheduling: Introduced in 2006, this allows the NFL to reschedule high-stakes games into prime time later in the season for greater excitement.
Regional Matchups: Early games are often regionally broadcast, meaning fans see different games based on their location.
Doubleheaders: One network airs two games in a single day, depending on the week’s schedule.

Which Teams Play on a Typical NFL Sunday?

Every Sunday during the regular season, 13 to 16 teams play, depending on bye weeks. The NFL releases a full season schedule in May, allowing fans to plan viewing. High-profile teams such as the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams frequently appear due to large fanbases and competitive rosters.

How Matchups Are Determined

The NFL uses a rotating scheduling formula based on division standings from the previous year. Each team plays:

6 games against division rivals (home and away)
4 games against one division from their own conference
4 games against one division from the opposite conference
2 games against teams from the remaining two divisions in their conference, based on prior-year standings

Team	Conference	Division	2024 Avg. Sunday Viewers (Millions)	Home Stadium
Kansas City Chiefs	AFC	West	27.8	Arrowhead Stadium
Dallas Cowboys	NFC	East	26.5	AT&T Stadium
San Francisco 49ers	NFC	West	24.1	Levi's Stadium
Buffalo Bills	AFC	East	22.3	Highmark Stadium
Philadelphia Eagles	NFC	East	21.9	Lincoln Financial Field
Los Angeles Rams	NFC	West	20.7	SoFi Stadium
Baltimore Ravens	AFC	North	19.6	M&T Bank Stadium

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights some of the most-watched teams on Sunday afternoons, reflecting both performance and national popularity. The Kansas City Chiefs led in average viewership in 2024, driven by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and consistent playoff contention. Teams in major media markets like Dallas and Los Angeles also rank highly due to broad regional followings.

How to Find Out Who Plays This Sunday

Fans can access up-to-date NFL Sunday schedules through multiple reliable sources:

NFL Official Website: nfl.com/schedules provides the complete weekly slate, including kickoff times and TV networks.
NFL App: Push notifications and real-time updates keep fans informed about game changes or weather delays.
Broadcast Networks: CBS Sports and FOX Sports list weekly broadcasts and announce doubleheaders.
Sports News Platforms: ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Yahoo Sports publish previews each week highlighting key matchups.

Frequently Asked Questions About NFL Sunday Games

What time do NFL games start on Sunday?

NFL Sunday games begin at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Pacific) for early matchups. Late games typically kick off at 4:05 PM or 4:25 PM ET, depending on the broadcast and stadium location.

How many NFL games are played on Sunday?

Most Sundays feature 13 to 16 games, depending on bye weeks. With 32 teams in the league and 18 weeks in the regular season, not all teams play every Sunday.

Are all Sunday NFL games televised nationally?

No. Early Sunday games are regionally broadcast, meaning local markets see different matchups. Only Sunday Night Football on NBC is aired nationally every week.

Can I stream NFL Sunday games online?

Yes. Services like NFL+ Premium, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV offer live streaming of CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcasts, allowing fans to watch games online or via mobile apps.

Do teams always play on Sunday?

Most teams play on Sundays, but some games are scheduled for Monday or Thursday nights. A few matchups may occur on Saturdays late in the season. International games are sometimes played on Sundays in London or Germany.