No, not all Chiefs games will be on NFL Network this season. Check your local listings for specific game broadcasts.
Figuring out where to watch your favorite team can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Many fans ask “will the chiefs game be on nfl network” each week, and the answer isn’t always simple. The NFL’s broadcasting schedule can be complex.
Games often rotate across different networks, not just NFL Network. It is always best to verify the specific channel closer to game day. This helps avoid missing crucial Chiefs action.
Will the Chiefs Game Be on NFL Network?
Figuring out where to watch your favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs, can sometimes feel like a puzzle. You’re probably asking yourself, “Will the Chiefs game be on NFL Network?” It’s a great question, and the answer isn’t always simple. Let’s dive deep into how NFL game broadcasts work and what that means for catching the Chiefs in action. We’ll break down the different types of games, the networks involved, and give you the best chance to know exactly where to tune in.
Understanding NFL Broadcast Rights
The National Football League has a complicated web of deals with different television networks. These deals determine which games air on which channel. It’s not as simple as saying all games will be on one specific network. We need to understand how these contracts are divided.
The Big Players: Network Television
First, let’s talk about the big network channels. These are the ones you usually get with your basic cable or antenna:
CBS: CBS often airs games on Sunday afternoons, particularly AFC matchups. Since the Chiefs are in the AFC, you’ll often find their games here.
Fox: Fox usually broadcasts games on Sunday afternoons as well, often focusing on NFC games. However, they can also air some inter-conference match-ups.
NBC: NBC is the home for Sunday Night Football. This is a primetime slot where the league showcases big games, and the Chiefs sometimes get this spot.
ESPN: ESPN is primarily a cable network, but it also carries Monday Night Football. The Chiefs might be featured here.
These big networks get first dibs on which games they want each week, and sometimes, a Chiefs game might be chosen for national broadcast. It’s important to know that these are where you’ll likely find most Chiefs regular season games.
The Role of NFL Network
Now, let’s focus on NFL Network. This channel is dedicated to all things football, 24/7. NFL Network has its own set of broadcast rights, including:
Thursday Night Football: NFL Network often has a number of Thursday Night Football games, especially early in the season. They also simulcast some TNF games with other networks like Amazon.
Special Coverage: Sometimes, NFL Network carries games from overseas or other special events.
NFL RedZone: While not the main game itself, NFL RedZone is a popular feature. It shows every touchdown from every game, live, on Sundays.
But here’s the important part: NFL Network doesn’t usually carry the typical Sunday afternoon games that CBS or FOX show. Their focus is more on these special broadcasts. Therefore, if the Chiefs game is not a Thursday night game or some kind of special event, you might not find it on NFL Network, although the NFL Network can carry any game they chose to and this is often decided closer to the game date.
How the NFL Decides Which Games Go Where
It’s not random; there’s a method behind the madness. The NFL takes several factors into account when deciding which games air on each network.
Popularity: Games featuring popular teams like the Chiefs often get prime slots on network television (CBS, Fox, NBC). These games draw the biggest audiences and are attractive to advertisers.
Matchup: Rivalries and games with strong storylines tend to get the spotlight. A Chiefs game against a division rival or a top-ranked team is more likely to be on network TV than a game against a team with a lower profile.
Time Slot: The time of the game plays a huge part. Games airing in the afternoon are often on CBS or FOX, while primetime games go to NBC, ESPN, and occasionally NFL Network.
Contractual Agreements: The NFL has specific contracts with each network outlining the number of games and types of games that each network has the rights to.
The Flex Scheduling Factor
One thing that can make things tricky is “flex scheduling”. Towards the end of the season, the NFL can move games from their original timeslots. This is done to ensure the best matchups with the most playoff implications are shown during primetime. Sometimes, a Chiefs game could be moved into a Sunday Night Football slot, or even a Monday Night Football game. Because of flex scheduling, you might initially think a game will be on one network, but it might change as the season progresses. This flexibility is crucial for the networks and the NFL, but it can be confusing for fans who are trying to plan their viewing schedule.
Finding Out Where the Chiefs Game Will Be
So, how can you find out for sure if the Chiefs game will be on NFL Network or another channel? Here’s what you can do:
Check the NFL Schedule: The official NFL schedule on the league website or app will show you which network is broadcasting each game for any given week. These schedules are regularly updated, so it is best to check closer to game day.
Use Sports Apps: Popular sports apps like ESPN, TheScore, and many others, will show the broadcast schedule. They often have notifications that you can turn on for your team. This can help to ensure you never miss a big game.
Look at TV Listings: Check your local TV guide, either on your television provider’s channel guide or online. These listings are usually accurate and show the broadcast network.
Follow Social Media: Many sports journalists, news outlets, and even the NFL itself will announce the broadcast schedule on social media. Following them can help you stay updated.
Team Websites: The Chiefs’ official website or app will usually list the broadcast information for their upcoming games.
A Helpful Checklist
To make things even easier, let’s put together a quick checklist before game day:
What day and time is the game? Knowing the time helps narrow down the potential networks.
Is the game on a Thursday, Sunday night, or Monday night? These prime time slots tend to go to specific networks.
Did the game get flexed? Check for any changes, especially late in the season.
Cross-check multiple sources. Don’t rely on just one listing. Check the NFL website, your TV guide, and a sports app.
Why Chiefs Games Are Often on Big Networks
The Chiefs are a very popular team with a large national fanbase. They have been very successful in recent years, and this makes them appealing to networks who want big ratings. Their games often draw a huge TV audience, especially those that feature star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, and a very good offense. Therefore, you’ll often find them on the major network broadcasts. This does not mean they will never be on NFL Network, but it might be less frequent.
The Impact of Popularity on TV Schedules
The Chiefs’ popularity can influence scheduling and the decision about which network broadcasts their games. If they are having a great season, their games are more likely to get a national television audience. This means you’ll often see them in the best available time slots on the big networks. The NFL tries to highlight its best teams, and the Chiefs are often one of those teams. The success of the Chiefs often translates to higher ratings for whatever network has the broadcast rights to a game, making the networks eager to show the Chiefs games.
What About Streaming Options?
In today’s world, many people watch TV online. If you are looking to stream the Chiefs, here are some options:
Network Apps: Most major networks have apps that you can use to stream games live. For example, CBS has Paramount+, NBC has Peacock, and Fox has Fox Now. You will likely need a cable or satellite TV subscription to access these apps.
NFL+: The NFL’s own streaming service will allow you to watch out-of-market games on your mobile phone or tablet. Some games are also available live in your local market.
Streaming Services: Some streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, and Sling TV include live television channels, so you will likely find the games being broadcast on these platforms.
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. So if the Chiefs are playing on a Thursday night, you will need Amazon Prime to watch the game.
Tips for Streaming
Streaming is very convenient, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
Check Your Internet Speed: Streaming live sports needs a strong, fast internet connection. Make sure your internet is up to the job.
Make Sure You Have The Right Subscription: Some streaming services require specific subscriptions for access to live sports, while others may require an add-on package.
Test Before the Game: It’s a good idea to test your streaming setup before the game starts, to prevent any last minute issues.
NFL Network and the Chiefs: Special Cases
While the Chiefs might not always be on NFL Network during regular Sunday games, there are exceptions:
Thursday Night Football: The NFL Network has Thursday Night Football games. So if the Chiefs are scheduled to play on a Thursday, you might find their game on NFL Network. But this is often broadcast on other channels as well.
International Games: If the Chiefs play an international game, NFL Network often carries it.
Special Programs: NFL Network has special coverage programs, such as game replays and documentaries featuring teams and players, so even if a game isn’t live, you might see related content here.
These instances demonstrate that while NFL Network isn’t the primary channel for most Chiefs games, they do have a part to play in broadcasting the team’s content. Therefore, if you have NFL Network, it’s still a great resource for fans.
The question of whether the Chiefs game will be on NFL Network is important to fans. While most regular season games land on CBS, FOX, NBC, or ESPN, there are exceptions. Understanding how the NFL’s broadcast deals work and checking multiple sources is your best bet to ensure you don’t miss the action. By staying informed and checking the latest schedules, you’ll be ready for kickoff.
Navigating the complex world of NFL broadcasts can be tricky, but with a bit of knowledge, you can easily find where to watch the Chiefs. Remember to use the tips we discussed, check multiple resources, and stay updated on schedule changes. This way, you will not miss a single Chiefs play and will be ready to cheer them on!
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Final Thoughts
So, figuring out which channel broadcasts the Chiefs game can be tricky. Different networks carry games each week. You must check your local listings carefully.
Determining specific broadcast schedules requires confirmation close to game day. Availability depends on a variety of factors. It can change.
Therefore, regarding “will the chiefs game be on nfl network,” always verify your television guide. Check NFL Network’s official schedule for the most precise answer.
