As summer approaches and NFL teams begin OTAs, the 2023 regular season approaches. This year’s schedule includes games in London and Germany, special holiday broadcasts and playoff games broadcast on four networks.
If you’re wondering how to catch all the action from Week 1 to the Super Bowl on TV or streaming online, we’ve got you covered:
Sunday afternoon
Weeks: 1-18
Where to look: CBS, Fox, YouTube TV, ESPN+, NFL Network
Among the major changes to this year’s broadcast schedule: The traditional AFC/NFC split between CBS and Fox is further disrupted. Reports that the teams are no longer “owned” by their respective networks have created some confusion over which broadcaster retains the rights to which games. But you can still expect more coverage of AFC teams on CBS and NFC teams on Fox.
“While any game is now eligible to appear on any network, Fox/NFC and CBS/AFC still have minimum appearances per team that keep traditional conference affiliations relevant,” said Mike Mulvihill, president of strategy and analytics for Fox Sports. He said on Twitter.
That means you’ll still see more Cowboys games on Fox and more Chiefs games on CBS. But there will be more crossovers than we’ve seen in the past.
After nearly 30 years on DirecTV, the NFL Sunday Ticket package — which gives fans access to out-of-market Fox and CBS regional games — is moving to YouTube TV. Cost: $349 a year for Sunday Ticket, or $249 with a subscription to YouTube TV. Add an extra $40 to either package to toss in NFL RedZone.
ESPN+ will also stream an exclusive Nationals game. Last year, it was a Week 8 international game between the Broncos and Jaguars in London. Five international games have been announced this year, four of which will be on NFL Network.
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Sunday nights
Weeks: 1-18
Where to look: NBC
Under their 11-year extension signed through 2021, NBC will continue to air “Sunday Night Football,” as well as air the season-opening kickoff game 1 week earlier on Thursday night and the prime-time Thanksgiving night game. The traditional flexible scheduling system continues: May be used twice between Weeks 5 and 10 and at the NFL’s discretion thereafter.
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Mondays
Weeks: 1-17
Where to look: ESPN/ABC, Fox
ESPN/ABC continues to be the broadcaster of “Monday Night Football,” but plans to have an additional doubleheader this year, according to the NFL’s website. Last year, ESPN/ABC had Monday doubleheaders in Week 2 and the final week of the regular season was ironically named “Monday Night Football Doubleheader Saturday.” Another big change: Starting this year, Sunday games can be moved to Monday nights in Weeks 13-17 at the league’s discretion.
Christmas falls on a Monday in the 16th week this year, and the NFL doesn’t take the day off. The New York Giants will face the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on Fox, the league announced Wednesday. That will still open ESPN’s regular Monday night slot.
The College Football Playoff semifinals are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 1, Week 17 in the NFL, and will be the final “Monday Night Football” telecast of the year — and the biggest game thanks to flex scheduling. In the nine years the CFP has existed, the NFL has never held any games on the same day as the semifinals or finals — which are televised by ESPN/ABC.
Thursday
Weeks: 1-17
Where to look: Amazon Prime Video, CBS, Fox, NBC
The main “Thursday Night Football” telecast begins in Week 2 and, like last year, will require a subscription to Amazon Prime or Prime Video to watch. You might see your team play here more often in 2023: After allowing only one game to be played on Thursdays in previous Sunday weeks, the NFL is now expanding that limit to twice a year.
On Thanksgiving Day, CBS and Fox will split the afternoon games — it’s CBS’s turn to get the Cowboys game, if the schedule works — and NBC will pick up the prime-time game. The season-opening Thursday kickoff game is also on NBC.
Holy Friday
Weeks: 12
Where to look: Amazon Prime Video
For the first time, the NFL will play a game the day after Thanksgiving. The league announced Wednesday that the Dolphins will face the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets at 3 p.m. Eastern on Amazon Prime Video. Even if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, this game is free.
On Saturdays
Weeks: 15-18
Where to look: NFL Network, ESPN/ABC
As usual, NFL Network will have select games on select Saturdays starting in mid-December after the college football regular season ends, although the amount and exact schedule for this year are not yet known. ESPN/ABC is keeping its final weekend Saturday doubleheader under the “Monday Night Football” branding — both games moved to this slot will have playoff implications.
Playoffs
Where to look: CBS, Fox, ESPN/ABC, NBC
The six wild-card and four division-round games will be shared among the four networks, with ESPN/ABC picking up a division-round game for the first time this year. Fox and CBS will continue as broadcasters for the NFC and AFC Championship games on January 28, 2024, respectively.
Super Bowl LVIII from Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., Feb. 11, 2024, on CBS.
Required reading
(Photo: Ben Liebenberg/AP)
