NFL Broadcast Map: Your Guide To Game Day

Nick Leason

-Oct 20, 2025

NFL Broadcast Map: Your Guide To Game Day

Ever wonder which NFL games you can watch on TV each week? An NFL broadcast map is your essential guide, visually showing which games are available in your specific geographic area. It helps fans easily determine the local and national broadcasts of NFL games, ensuring they don't miss a single touchdown. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, understanding the NFL broadcast map is crucial for planning your game-day experience.

Key Takeaways

NFL broadcast maps visually represent which games air in your local market.
These maps help you determine which channels (e.g., CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network) will show specific games.
Broadcast maps vary weekly based on the schedule, so check them regularly.
They help plan your game-watching setup and avoid missing your favorite teams.
Knowing the broadcast details enables you to stream games, especially when traveling.

Introduction

The NFL broadcast map is a valuable tool for football fans across the United States. It's a visual representation of the NFL game schedule, indicating which games are available on local and national television channels in different regions. The maps are updated weekly, corresponding to the NFL schedule, providing fans with up-to-date information on where to watch their favorite teams. — Stratham, NH: Your Complete Guide To Getting There

This guide will dive deep into the workings of the NFL broadcast map, offering insights on how to read the maps, understand the factors that influence game broadcasts, and utilize them effectively to plan your game-day viewing. — Vikings Vs. Eagles: Player Stats And Game Highlights

What & Why

An NFL broadcast map simplifies how viewers know which games they can watch on TV. It answers the question, “Where can I watch the [Team A] vs. [Team B] game?” Each week, the NFL's broadcasting partners, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, show different games depending on the schedule and market demand.

Why Are Broadcast Maps Important?

Easy Game Planning: Quickly determine which games are available to you each week.
Avoid Missed Games: Ensure you don’t miss out on watching your favorite teams or matchups.
Channel Navigation: Identify which channels to tune into for specific games.
Streaming Information: Helps you find streaming options when you're away from home.
Understanding Blackout Rules: Keeps you informed about local broadcast rules, though these have become less common.

Who Creates NFL Broadcast Maps?

Several sources provide NFL broadcast maps, including:

506sports.com: This website is a popular and reliable source for detailed broadcast maps. They are known for providing accurate maps with channel and market information.
Local News Outlets: Many local news websites and channels publish broadcast maps for their viewing areas.
Team Websites: Some team websites offer broadcast maps specifically tailored to their fans.
Sports Websites: Major sports websites like ESPN and Bleacher Report often feature broadcast maps.

What Influences Broadcast Decisions?

Several factors determine which games air in specific markets:

Team Popularity: Games involving popular teams often get wider broadcasts.
Market Size: Larger markets typically receive a broader selection of games.
Game Importance: Key matchups or nationally significant games get priority.
Network Contracts: Agreements between the NFL and broadcasting networks dictate game assignments.
Flex Scheduling: In later weeks of the season, the NFL can shift game times to maximize viewership.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Using an NFL broadcast map is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Find a Reliable Source: Choose a trusted source like 506sports.com or a local news website.
Access the Map: Navigate to the broadcast map for the current week's games. Maps are typically updated on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Locate Your Region: Identify your geographical location on the map. Most maps are interactive or provide a key for each region.
Identify Games and Channels: See which games are assigned to your area and the corresponding channels (e.g., CBS, FOX, NBC).
Note Game Times: Check the kickoff times for the selected games.
Plan Your Viewing: Arrange your game-day schedule based on the broadcast information.
Consider Streaming Options: If you are outside your home area, use the map to find streaming options.

Reading the Broadcast Map

Broadcast maps use colors or symbols to represent different games. Here’s a general guide:

Colors: Each color typically represents a specific game. A key or legend is provided to identify which game corresponds to each color.
Channel Logos: The map usually includes the logos of the channels broadcasting the games (e.g., CBS, FOX).
Team Abbreviations: Teams are often represented by abbreviations (e.g., GB for Green Bay, NE for New England).
Game Times: Kickoff times are displayed for each game.

Examples & Use Cases

Here are some real-world examples of how to use an NFL broadcast map:

Example 1: Planning a Sunday Watch Party: You live in Chicago and want to watch the Bears game. The broadcast map shows the Bears game on FOX at 1:00 PM CT, so you know to tune into FOX at that time.
Example 2: Traveling for the Weekend: You're traveling to Miami for the weekend and want to watch the Packers game. Using the map, you see the game is on CBS at 4:25 PM ET, so you can watch it on CBS in your hotel room.
Example 3: Checking Local Game Availability: You want to know which game is on in your area during the late afternoon. The map shows that the Chiefs and Raiders are on CBS, while another game is on FOX, allowing you to choose which game to watch.
Example 4: Streaming on the Go: You are away from home and want to stream the game. The broadcast map can also help you determine if the game is available on streaming services like NFL+, or if you need to use a VPN to watch the game in your home market.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Check Regularly: Broadcast maps are updated weekly, so check them before each game day.
Verify Sources: Use reliable sources like 506sports.com for accurate information.
Consider Time Zones: Account for time zone differences when planning your viewing.
Utilize Streaming Options: If you’re traveling, explore streaming options using the map as a guide.
Plan Ahead: Make your viewing plans early in the week to avoid last-minute confusion.

Common Mistakes

Using Outdated Maps: Always use the current week's broadcast map.
Assuming Local Broadcasts: Not all games are available in all areas; verify what's available to you.
Ignoring Time Zones: Failing to account for time zone differences can cause you to miss the start of games.
Relying on Unreliable Sources: Stick to reputable sources to avoid misinformation.
Not Checking for Streaming Options: Failing to look for streaming options when traveling.

FAQs

Where can I find an NFL broadcast map? You can find NFL broadcast maps on websites like 506sports.com, local news outlets, team websites, and major sports websites like ESPN.
When are NFL broadcast maps updated? NFL broadcast maps are typically updated on Wednesdays or Thursdays each week.
How do I know which channel to watch for a specific game? The broadcast map will show the channel (e.g., CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network) that is broadcasting the game in your area.
What if I don't have cable or satellite? Can I still watch the games? Yes, you can often stream games through various platforms, including NFL+, the networks' streaming services (e.g., Paramount+ for CBS games), or through live TV streaming services.
Do NFL broadcast maps apply to international viewers? No, NFL broadcast maps are primarily for viewers within the United States. International viewers have different broadcasting arrangements depending on their region.
Are blackouts still a thing? Blackouts, where games are unavailable in local markets if they are not sold out, are rare in the modern NFL, but there may be exceptions. Consult the broadcast map and your local listings to confirm.

Conclusion with CTA

Using the NFL broadcast map is an easy and effective way to enhance your game-day experience. By understanding how to read and utilize these maps, you can ensure you never miss a moment of your favorite team's action. Use the map each week to plan your viewing, identify channels, and explore streaming options. Stay informed and enjoy the game! — Yankees Vs. Red Sox: The Ultimate Rivalry Guide

Check out the NFL broadcast map for this week’s games now and get ready for kickoff!

Last updated: October 26, 2024, 10:00 UTC