The National Football League (NFL) has become an integral part of American sports culture, with millions of fans tuning in every week to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the gridiron. While Sundays are typically reserved for the bulk of NFL games, Saturdays often feature a handful of matchups, particularly during the postseason and preseason. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at which NFL teams are playing on Saturday on TV, as well as provide some context and analysis to enhance your viewing experience.
Understanding the NFL Schedule
Before we dive into the specifics of Saturday NFL games, it’s essential to understand how the league’s schedule works. The NFL season typically runs from September to February, with 32 teams divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each team plays 17 regular-season games, with one bye week.
The NFL schedule is carefully crafted to ensure that each team plays a mix of divisional, conference, and interconference games. The league also tries to balance the schedule to minimize travel and ensure that teams have adequate rest between games.
Preseason and Postseason Scheduling
During the preseason, which typically takes place in August and September, NFL teams play a series of exhibition games to prepare for the regular season. These games are often played on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with some games broadcast nationally on TV.
In the postseason, the NFL features a single-elimination tournament to determine the league champion. The playoffs typically begin in January and feature six teams from each conference. The postseason schedule is more condensed than the regular season, with games often played on Saturdays and Sundays.
Saturday NFL Games on TV
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the NFL schedule, let’s take a look at which teams are playing on Saturday on TV. Please note that the schedule is subject to change, and we’ll do our best to provide the most up-to-date information.
| Date | Teams | Time (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 12 | Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| August 19 | Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers | 7:00 PM | CBS |
| August 26 | Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks | 8:00 PM | FOX |
As you can see, the NFL has a mix of preseason games scheduled for Saturdays, with some games broadcast nationally on TV. The specific teams and times are subject to change, so be sure to check your local listings for the most up-to-date information.
Streaming Options
In addition to traditional TV broadcasts, the NFL offers several streaming options for fans to watch Saturday games. These include:
- NFL Sunday Ticket: This service allows fans to watch live out-of-market games, including those played on Saturdays.
- NFL Game Pass: This service provides on-demand access to NFL games, including those played on Saturdays.
- Streaming services: Services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV often carry NFL games, including those played on Saturdays.
Notable Saturday Games
While the NFL schedule is subject to change, there are a few notable Saturday games that are worth highlighting:
- Week 15: Saturday tripleheader: The NFL has scheduled a Saturday tripleheader for Week 15, featuring three games played on December 16. The specific teams and times will be announced at a later date.
- Wild Card Weekend: The NFL playoffs often feature Saturday games, including Wild Card Weekend. The specific teams and times will be announced after the regular season concludes.
Impact on Fantasy Football
For fantasy football enthusiasts, Saturday games can have a significant impact on lineups and strategy. With some teams playing on Saturdays, fantasy owners may need to adjust their lineups accordingly.
- Start/sit decisions: Fantasy owners will need to decide whether to start or sit players based on their Saturday schedules.
- Waiver wire pickups: Fantasy owners may need to pick up players on the waiver wire to replace those playing on Saturdays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NFL schedule is a complex and ever-changing entity, with games played on Saturdays throughout the preseason and postseason. By understanding the schedule and streaming options, fans can stay up-to-date on their favorite teams and players. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, Saturday NFL games on TV offer an exciting way to enjoy the sport.
As the NFL season approaches, be sure to check your local listings for the most up-to-date information on Saturday games. With a mix of preseason and postseason matchups, there’s something for every fan to enjoy.
What NFL teams play on Saturday nights?
The NFL typically features a mix of teams playing on Saturday nights, but the specific teams and matchups can vary from week to week. Some teams may be featured more frequently than others, depending on their performance and popularity. The NFL often tries to showcase teams with strong followings or those that are in the midst of a playoff push.
In general, you can expect to see a range of teams playing on Saturday nights, from perennial powerhouses like the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys to up-and-coming teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams. The NFL also tries to balance the schedule to ensure that teams from different divisions and conferences are represented.
How can I watch NFL games on Saturday nights?
There are several ways to watch NFL games on Saturday nights, depending on your location and the specific broadcast rights in your area. In the United States, NFL games are typically broadcast on major networks like NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN. You can also stream games online through various platforms, such as NFL Sunday Ticket, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
If you’re looking for a more traditional viewing experience, you can also check your local listings to see if any NFL games are being broadcast on a local channel. Additionally, many sports bars and restaurants show NFL games on Saturday nights, so you can catch a game with friends and fellow fans.
What time do NFL games start on Saturday nights?
NFL games on Saturday nights typically start at 8:20 PM ET, although kickoff times can vary depending on the specific game and broadcast schedule. Some games may start earlier or later, especially if they are being played on the West Coast or in other time zones.
It’s always a good idea to check the official NFL schedule or your local listings to confirm the kickoff time for a specific game. You can also set reminders or alerts on your phone or TV to ensure you don’t miss the start of the game.
Can I stream NFL games on Saturday nights for free?
While there are some free streaming options available for NFL games, they are generally limited and may not offer the same quality or selection as paid services. For example, the NFL offers a free streaming service called NFL Game Pass, which allows you to watch live games, but only if you’re outside the United States.
In the US, you can try streaming games for free through services like Yahoo Sports or the NFL app, but these options are typically limited to specific games or devices. If you want to watch a wide range of NFL games on Saturday nights, you may need to subscribe to a paid streaming service or purchase a season pass.
How many NFL games are played on Saturday nights?
The number of NFL games played on Saturday nights can vary from week to week, but typically there are one or two games featured on Saturdays during the regular season. These games are often showcased as part of the NFL’s primetime schedule, which includes games on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday nights.
During the playoffs, the NFL may feature more games on Saturday nights, including wild-card games and divisional round matchups. The NFL also occasionally schedules games on Saturday nights during the preseason, although these games are not always televised nationally.
Can I watch NFL games on Saturday nights on my mobile device?
Yes, you can watch NFL games on Saturday nights on your mobile device, depending on your location and the specific broadcast rights in your area. Many streaming services, including NFL Sunday Ticket and the NFL app, offer mobile streaming options that allow you to watch live games on your phone or tablet.
You can also download mobile apps from major networks like NBC, CBS, and FOX to watch NFL games on your device. However, be aware that some streaming services may have restrictions or blackout policies that limit access to certain games or devices.
Are all NFL games on Saturday nights televised nationally?
Not all NFL games on Saturday nights are televised nationally, although many are broadcast on major networks like NBC, CBS, and FOX. Some games may be televised regionally or locally, depending on the teams involved and the broadcast rights in your area.
If you’re looking to watch a specific game on Saturday night, be sure to check your local listings to see if it’s being broadcast in your area. You can also try streaming the game online through a service like NFL Sunday Ticket or the NFL app, although these options may be subject to blackout restrictions.