What Network Is Colts Game On

The Colts game is on the network broadcasting the specific game each week; this varies, so check your local listings.

Figuring out what network is colts game on can be tricky because it shifts every week. It’s not always the same channel, making it a bit of a scavenger hunt for fans. Finding the right place to watch requires a quick check.

You’ll need to peek at your local TV guide or a sports listing website before kickoff. Different broadcasters secure rights for different games. So, check beforehand, and you won’t miss a snap.

What Network is Colts Game On? A Complete Guide

Figuring out where to watch the Indianapolis Colts can sometimes feel like a puzzle. With so many channels and streaming options, it’s easy to get confused. This guide will help you navigate the world of Colts broadcasts so you never miss a game. We’ll explain which networks typically carry Colts games, what factors affect broadcast choices, and how to find the information you need each week. Get ready to become an expert in finding Colts action!

Understanding the NFL Broadcast Landscape

The NFL has deals with several major television networks. These deals determine which games air on which channels. It’s not as simple as “all Colts games are on this one channel.” Instead, the broadcast of a game depends on several factors. Let’s break down the primary networks involved.

National Broadcast Partners

These are the big networks that air games across the whole country. They usually get the most popular matchups. Here are the main national broadcasters:

CBS: CBS often carries games that feature teams from the AFC, which includes the Indianapolis Colts. Keep an eye out for CBS broadcasts, especially if the Colts are playing another AFC team.
FOX: Similar to CBS, FOX focuses on games involving NFC teams. However, they can also carry some AFC matchups. So it’s a good network to monitor for Colts broadcasts.
NBC: NBC is home to “Sunday Night Football.” These games are usually some of the best matchups of the week, and sometimes that includes the Colts. Make sure you know if they are on NBC.
ESPN: ESPN airs “Monday Night Football” and some games on other days of the week too. If the Colts have a prime-time game on a Monday, you can bet it’ll be on ESPN.
NFL Network: NFL Network has its own games, usually on Thursday nights or occasionally on Saturdays. You’ll want to check their schedule to see if the Colts are featured.
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video now has the rights to “Thursday Night Football”. If the Colts have a game on Thursday, this will probably be the place to find it.

Local Broadcast Options

In addition to the national networks, local television stations also play a crucial role. These stations usually air games that are not shown nationally. For the Colts, these include:

Local CBS Affiliate: Your local CBS station, like WISH-TV in Indianapolis, often broadcasts Colts games when they are part of the CBS package. This means that the Colts can appear on local CBS even if the game is not featured nationally.
Local Fox Affiliate: Similar to CBS, your local FOX affiliate station may air Colts games, especially when they are part of the FOX schedule.

Remember, if a Colts game is not on a national network, it’s very likely to be found on one of these local affiliates.

Factors Affecting Which Network Gets the Game

Several factors determine which network will broadcast a particular Colts game. It’s not random; there’s a logic to it. Here’s a breakdown:

Conference Matchups

One of the main things that determine broadcast is the conference each team is in.

AFC vs. AFC: If the Colts play another AFC team, the game is usually broadcast on CBS.
NFC vs. NFC: If two NFC teams play, it usually goes to FOX.
AFC vs. NFC: When an AFC team plays an NFC team, it could go to either FOX or CBS, depending on the week’s schedule. The league likes to give each network a good amount of games to show.

Game Scheduling

The day and time of a game impact which network shows it. Here’s how scheduling plays a part:

Sunday Afternoon Games: These are typically on CBS and FOX. Games start at 1 p.m. or 4:05/4:25 p.m. Eastern Time.
Sunday Night Football: NBC is the home of the big Sunday night matchup. Usually it’s one of the highest profile games of the week.
Monday Night Football: This primetime game is broadcast by ESPN.
Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime has the rights to the Thursday night game.
Saturday Games: Toward the end of the season, you will see more Saturday games, and those can be on NFL Network or a mix of different networks.

Flex Scheduling

The NFL uses “flex scheduling” to make sure the most exciting games get the best broadcast slots. This usually occurs later in the season.

Moving Games: Flex scheduling allows the NFL to move games to Sunday night, or to another nationally televised spot, if they are considered a high-profile game.
Impact on Colts Games: This can change which network broadcasts a Colts game, sometimes with not much notice. So keep an eye on any changes late in the season.

Game Popularity

Another thing that plays a part in where games appear is the popularity of the teams involved.

High-Profile Matchups: If the Colts are playing a team with a large national following, or if the game is seen as a very exciting contest, it is more likely to be broadcast nationally.
Local Matchups: Even if the matchup isn’t a big national draw, it can be a priority for local TV stations. Local stations want to show games for their communities.

Finding Out Which Channel Has the Colts Game Each Week

Now that you understand how the broadcast system works, let’s talk about how to find the specific network for each Colts game every week. Here are some tips and tricks:

The NFL Schedule

The official NFL website is a fantastic place to start. They have a very detailed schedule that includes network information.

Official Website: Go to nfl.com and look for the schedule section. Click on the week that you’re interested in.
Game Details: When you click on a game you’ll find the scheduled time and, most importantly, the network that is broadcasting the game.

TV Guides

Traditional television guides are still valuable resources for finding network information.

Print Guides: If you still get a paper TV guide from your newspaper, check the sports listings. The guides will show which game is airing on each network.
Online Guides: Major TV providers like Xfinity or DirectTV also have online guides, where you can look up games and see when and where to watch.

Sports Websites and Apps

Many sports websites and apps also provide weekly TV schedules for NFL games.

ESPN App/Website: ESPN is a major sports information provider. You can go to their website or app and look up games to see what channel they are on.
Other Sports Websites: Sports sites like CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and Bleacher Report also have schedules and information on NFL broadcasts.
Team Apps: The official Indianapolis Colts app will often show you the TV channel. They also send notifications to your phone if you allow them.

Social Media

Social media is very useful for quickly finding out what channel has a Colts game.

Twitter: Many sport reporters and journalists tweet out broadcast info. Follow some national and local sports reporters for quicker updates.
Facebook: Many local TV and radio stations publish broadcast information on their Facebook pages. Following local outlets can keep you in the loop.

Specific Network Websites

Sometimes you can go straight to the source and look at the networks.

CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network: Check the TV schedules for these networks directly on their websites.
Amazon Prime: If a Colts game is on Prime, be sure to check the Prime Video section of the Amazon website.

Streaming Options for Watching Colts Games

If you don’t have a traditional television subscription, there are several ways to stream Colts games online. Streaming services have become popular and provide a good way to keep up with the Colts.

Streaming Services with Live TV

Several services provide live TV channels over the internet. They include most of the channels you would get with a cable subscription.

YouTube TV: YouTube TV carries CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network in most markets. You can watch most games with this.
Hulu + Live TV: Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV also offers many networks that carry NFL games.
FuboTV: FuboTV is a great option for sports fans and often carries a wide range of sports channels.
Sling TV: Sling TV carries some NFL games but may not offer all channels, so check before subscribing.
DirectTV Stream: This streaming service includes several of the channels that are very important for watching Colts games.

NFL Streaming Services

The NFL also has its own streaming service, which is a little bit different than the other ones.

NFL+: NFL+ allows you to watch live games on phones and tablets. It’s good if you’re on the go, but you may need another option to watch on your TV.

Local Station Apps

Your local TV stations may also have an app you can use to stream games.

Local CBS/FOX Apps: If you have a login for a local TV provider you might be able to watch through the app.

Amazon Prime Video

Don’t forget about Amazon Prime, because they have an important part of the NFL schedule now.

Thursday Night Games: Games shown on Amazon Prime will be exclusively on Prime Video.

Dealing with Blackouts

Sometimes, games can be “blacked out” in certain areas. This usually happens for a few different reasons:

Why Blackouts Occur

Home Game Non-Sells: In the past, a game might be blacked out on local television if the stadium didn’t sell enough tickets. This rarely happens in the modern era, but it is worth noting that it is a possibility.
National TV Exclusivity: Sometimes, a network like ESPN or NFL Network has exclusive rights to a game, meaning that it won’t be shown on your local station.

How to Avoid Blackouts

National Networks: If a game is on a national channel, such as ESPN, it is almost never blacked out.
Check Local Listings: Make sure you have the most up-to-date local listings to see if the game will be on your station.
Use Streaming Services: Sometimes, streaming services will carry a game even when it is blacked out locally. So they are a good option in some cases.

Staying informed about which network has the Colts game each week doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the NFL broadcast system and knowing where to find schedules, you can make sure you don’t miss a single down of Colts football. Whether you prefer traditional television, online streaming, or local stations, there are several different ways to watch the Colts play. So prepare yourself, and get ready to enjoy all the action!

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Final Thoughts

To catch the Colts game, finding the right channel is key. Game broadcasts vary by week, so check local listings. National games usually air on networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, or ESPN.

Regional games may be on local affiliate channels. Always confirm before kickoff to avoid missing the action. It’s easy to find out what network is colts game on if you search just before game day.