Who Plays NFL Football on Sunday? Schedule & Matchups

By Sarah Miller · November 14, 2043

The NFL games on Sunday are played by 32 professional teams divided into the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC). These teams compete in weekly matchups during the regular season, typically from September to January, with Sunday being the most popular day for games.

When Do NFL Teams Play on Sundays?

Sunday is the centerpiece of the NFL week, featuring multiple game slots across the day. The league schedules games to accommodate national broadcasts and regional fanbases.

Typical Sunday NFL Game Times

NFL Sunday Early Games: Kick off at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Pacific).
Late Afternoon Games: Start at 4:05 PM or 4:25 PM ET, primarily featuring AFC and NFC inter-conference matchups.
NFL Sunday Night Football: A marquee primetime game airing weekly at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.

These time slots ensure fans across all U.S. time zones can enjoy live action.

Which Teams Are Playing This Sunday? (Week 1, 2025 Season)

The NFL releases a full schedule each April for the upcoming season. For Week 1 of the 2025 season, here are the confirmed Sunday matchups:

Time (ET)	Home Team	Away Team	Network	Location
1:00 PM	Detroit Lions	Los Angeles Rams	Fox	Ford Field, Detroit
1:00 PM	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Dallas Cowboys	CBS	Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
1:00 PM	Kansas City Chiefs	Baltimore Ravens	CBS	Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
4:05 PM	San Francisco 49ers	Seattle Seahawks	Fox	Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
4:25 PM	Buffalo Bills	New York Jets	CBS	Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park
8:20 PM	Philadelphia Eagles	Atlanta Falcons	NBC	Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Table data source:1, 2

This Week 1 lineup features high-profile divisional rivalries and Super Bowl contender matchups. The early window emphasizes regional broadcast reach, while the late and primetime games draw national audiences. The Eagles vs. Falcons opener on Sunday Night Football sets the tone for the 2025 season.

How Is the Sunday NFL Schedule Determined?

The NFL uses a complex scheduling algorithm that balances competitive fairness, television revenue, and fan engagement.

Key Factors in Sunday Scheduling

Division Rotation: Each team plays home and away against their division rivals annually.
Inter-Conference Matchups: Rotates yearly between AFC and NFC divisions.
TV Preferences: Networks like CBS and Fox bid for broadcast rights, influencing game times.
Geographic Pairing: Ensures regional teams play nearby opponents when possible to reduce travel and boost attendance.

The league finalizes the full schedule in the spring, but flex scheduling allows for select late-season game changes to maximize viewership.

Top Players to Watch in Sunday’s NFL Games

Sunday games often feature elite quarterbacks and rising stars. In Week 1 of the 2025 season, fans should watch for:

Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles): Coming off a strong 2024 playoff run, Hurts leads the Eagles' balanced offense.
Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs): Always a MVP candidate, Mahomes faces a tough Ravens defense.
Baker Mayfield (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Seeking deep playoff runs, Mayfield opens against the Cowboys.
Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings): Though not playing Sunday due to rotation, his presence looms in future weeks.

Injury reports released Friday can shift player availability, so fantasy football players and bettors monitor updates closely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays NFL Football on Sunday

Who plays NFL football this Sunday?

The NFL rotates matchups weekly. For Week 1 of the 2025 season, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers are scheduled to play on Sunday across various time slots.

How many NFL games are played on Sunday?

Typically, 13 games are played on Sundays during the regular season: 9 in the early window, 4 in the late afternoon, and 1 primetime Sunday Night Football game.

What time does NFL football start on Sunday?

Sunday NFL games start at three main times: 1:00 PM, 4:05 PM or 4:25 PM, and 8:20 PM Eastern Time. The exact schedule varies weekly.

Are all NFL teams playing every Sunday?

No. Each team has one bye week during the 18-week regular season, meaning they do not play that Sunday. Additionally, some teams play on Thursdays or Mondays.

Where can I watch NFL games on Sunday?

Sunday games are broadcast on CBS and Fox for regional matchups, and NBC airs Sunday Night Football. Streaming options include NFL+ and services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.