What Network Is The Ravens Game On

What Network is the Ravens Game On?

Figuring out where to watch the Baltimore Ravens play can feel like a tricky puzzle. One week they might be on one channel, and the next, a completely different one. It’s enough to make any fan a bit confused! But don’t worry, we’re here to make it easier for you. We’ll break down all the usual suspects and show you how to find the right channel so you never miss a touchdown, field goal or interception. Let’s dive in and find out where to watch the Ravens!

Understanding NFL Broadcast Rights

Before we get to the specifics of the Ravens, it’s helpful to understand how the NFL works with TV networks. The NFL has agreements with several different networks to broadcast their games. These agreements are why some games are on certain channels and not others. These rights are usually for multiple years and are worth a lot of money. These agreements help to ensure the NFL games get on the TV and people like you can watch the games. We can understand a little better on how it works by looking at these agreements. Here’s a breakdown of the major players involved:

• CBS: CBS has the rights to many AFC (American Football Conference) games, which is the conference the Ravens belong to. Usually, when the Ravens play another AFC team, there’s a very good chance you’ll find it on CBS.
• Fox: Fox broadcasts a lot of NFC (National Football Conference) games. You will see them occasionally have the broadcasting rights for Ravens games when they play against an NFC team.
• NBC: NBC is the home of Sunday Night Football and broadcasts one of the premier games each week. If the Ravens are playing a popular matchup, there’s a good possibility you might see them on NBC.
• ESPN: ESPN primarily has Monday Night Football, but it sometimes has a Saturday games as well. If the Ravens are playing on a Monday or a Saturday, this could be the channel you are looking for.
• NFL Network: NFL Network has its own schedule of games, which sometimes includes Ravens games, usually on Thursdays or Saturdays.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video has become a major player, with exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. If the Ravens are on a Thursday game, you will need to check if they are playing on Amazon Prime Video.

The Ravens Schedule and Network Information

The first step to finding the game is knowing when and who the Ravens are playing. Each week, the NFL puts out a schedule. Let’s examine this more deeply.

Checking the Official NFL Schedule

The best place to start is always the official source. Go to the NFL’s official website (nfl.com) and find the schedule. It will show you all of the games, including the Baltimore Ravens games. Look for the specific game you want to watch. Next to each game, it will list the network that will broadcast the game. This is your most accurate way to find the network for a specific Ravens game.

Using the Ravens Official Website

The Ravens also have their own official website (baltimoreravens.com), which includes the full season schedule. This will show you every single game, and list the channel that the game is broadcast on. The official site will also provide the time of the game. They usually post these schedules in advance, which means you can plan ahead. It’s an incredibly useful resource for any dedicated Ravens fan.

Third-Party Sports Websites and Apps

Besides the official sources, there are many third-party websites and apps that will list the NFL schedule. ESPN.com, for instance, is one such site. Or you can use apps like ESPN, theScore, or others to track game schedules and their corresponding networks. These are convenient because you can see multiple sports and schedules all in one place. But remember, it’s always a good idea to double check any game network against an official source.

Local TV Listings

Local newspapers and TV websites will list the local TV schedules. These local channels will show the games in your area. Often times they are very easy to see and read, even if you’re not very tech-savvy. These resources are also very accessible to the everyday reader.

Factors Influencing Which Network Airs the Game

Several factors determine which network broadcasts a Ravens game. Let’s discuss those factors that can affect which network your game appears on.

Conference Matchups

The conference that the Ravens are playing is a key factor. As mentioned before, CBS usually has rights to the majority of AFC games. When the Ravens play another AFC team, it’s very likely the game will be on CBS. On the other hand, if they’re playing an NFC team, the game will more often than not be on Fox. This conference matchup is one of the first factors to take into account when finding a network to watch a game.

Game Time and Day

The day and time of the game also matters. Sunday afternoons tend to be the most common, with CBS and Fox splitting games. Sunday nights belong to NBC. Monday Night Football is on ESPN. Thursday Night Football can appear on a variety of different networks, with Amazon Prime Video having an increasing amount of games. Knowing if the game is on a weekday or a weekend can help you determine the TV channel for the game.

National vs. Regional Games

Some games are national broadcasts, meaning they’re shown on the same network across the entire country. Others are regional broadcasts, shown only in specific areas. The Ravens are a very popular team, which means many of their games are nationally broadcast. This makes it easier for fans all across the US to watch the games.

Flex Scheduling

The NFL has a concept called “flex scheduling.” This can change some of the games on Sunday nights as the season goes on. The NFL can move a very popular game to the Sunday Night Football slot. They often choose better matchups that may be more exciting. This can change which channel your game is on. Usually, this won’t happen until later in the season but it’s important to keep an eye out for potential changes.

Specific Network Scenarios

Let’s explore some common scenarios and which channels you’re likely to find the Ravens on.

Sunday Afternoon Games

Most Ravens games take place on Sunday afternoons. If they’re playing an AFC team, the game is most likely going to be on CBS. However, if they play an NFC team, the game will likely be on Fox. In either case, they are always on over-the-air, local TV channels, meaning they are very easy to find for most fans.

Sunday Night Football

Sunday Night Football on NBC is usually reserved for top matchups. If the Ravens are playing a highly anticipated game, there is a very good chance you will see them playing on NBC. This is usually a national broadcast, meaning it’s easy to watch throughout the country.

Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football is on ESPN. If the Ravens are playing on a Monday night, you will need to look at ESPN to find the game. This is another very common and widely watched game that is broadcast nationally.

Thursday Night Football

Thursday Night Football has become a bit more complicated. These games are often on Amazon Prime Video. But, some Thursday night games can be on other channels like NFL Network or the local station. It is a good idea to check the schedule carefully to figure out what channel is playing the game.

NFL Network Games

NFL Network can also broadcast some Ravens games, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays. This is an especially good channel to have access to for fans who want to watch their games. Keep in mind that NFL Network might not be a channel included in all TV packages, so it is a good idea to check your TV subscription.

Streaming Options for Watching the Ravens

In today’s world, many fans want to watch games via streaming platforms. Let’s look at some options for streaming the Ravens games.

NFL+

NFL+ is the NFL’s own streaming service. You can watch live out-of-market preseason games, live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on mobile devices and tablets. You can also get replays of games after they are over. This is a good option for fans who might not have access to regular cable channels, or just prefer to stream the game on their phone or tablet.

Streaming Services with Live TV

Many streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV offer live access to channels like CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. These services will let you watch the Ravens game just like regular TV, but you stream the channels through your TV, computer, or phone. This is a really great option to cut the cable cord and watch your games on the internet.

Amazon Prime Video

As mentioned, Amazon Prime Video has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. If a Ravens game is scheduled for Thursday night, you will have to watch the game on Amazon Prime Video, and will need a subscription for that service.

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

If you live outside of the United States or find that the game you want to watch is not being broadcast in your location, a VPN can help. A VPN allows you to change your internet connection so that it seems like you’re accessing the game from a different location. But remember, it is important to follow the laws and regulations for your location when accessing such content. It is also important to note that using a VPN may come with extra fees or costs.

Tips for Always Knowing Where to Watch

Keeping track of the TV schedule can be a hassle. Here are some tips and tricks to help you always know where to watch the next Ravens game.

Set Reminders

Use the calendar on your phone to set reminders for games. This can help you know which channel to turn to ahead of the game time. The reminders can also help you avoid missing the start of the game.

Follow Social Media

Follow the Baltimore Ravens on their social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They often post what channel the game will be broadcast on. They might also give updates on game changes, or even post links to where to find the game broadcast.

Check the TV Guide Ahead of Time

Take a little time each week and check the TV guide. Most cable or satellite providers offer a TV guide which shows you what games are broadcast on which channels. This will help you to be prepared and know where to look before the day of the game. Checking the TV guide ahead of time can also help you figure out any streaming options, so that you’re not left searching at the last minute.

Subscribe to Sports Newsletters

Many sports websites and apps offer newsletters that give you updates on game times and what channels are playing the games. These newsletters are usually very easy to read and are delivered right to your email inbox, which is convenient for people who may not have time to manually check each website.

Use Sports Apps

Use a sports app to track the NFL schedule, such as the ESPN app, or theScore app. These sports apps will send you alerts on the games, and can help you know what channel the game is on ahead of time. They provide a convenient way to keep track of your favorite team and what channel to watch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when figuring out what network a game is on. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Assuming All Games Are on the Same Channel

Do not assume the game will always be on the same channel. The channel the game is on can change every single week. You need to check the schedule for each game.

Forgetting About Streaming Options

Do not forget about all of the streaming options available. Some games may not be available on traditional cable channels, which is why having options for streaming the games can be very useful for diehard fans.

Not Checking for Time Zone Differences

Be sure to double check the time for the game, and account for any time zone differences. The time zone will be different depending on where the team is playing. It’s very easy to miss part of the game, or even the whole game, if you do not account for the time zone differences.

Confusing Local and National Broadcasts

Local broadcasts will be available on your regular, local channels. But, national broadcasts will be aired across the entire country on big, popular channels. Do not get confused between these two.

Navigating the world of NFL broadcast networks can seem tricky at first, but with the right knowledge, you can confidently find where to watch every Baltimore Ravens game. Remember to always double-check the official schedule and utilize all available resources. Enjoy the game!