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NFL Sunday Schedule: Games, Start Times, and How to Watch
As NFL fans eagerly anticipate the action for Sunday, August 18, 2024, the league features a slate of exciting matchups across various time slots. This guide provides a detailed look at the NFL games scheduled for today, including start times, TV coverage, and streaming options to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Sunday’s NFL Schedule
1. Early Games (1:00 PM ET)
The early game window includes several high-stakes matchups. Here’s a look at the key games starting at 1:00 PM Eastern Time:
- New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills: The Patriots will travel to Buffalo to face the Bills in what promises to be a thrilling AFC East showdown. Both teams have strong defensive units, so expect a closely contested game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens: A classic AFC North rivalry, the Steelers and Ravens will clash in a battle of two teams known for their hard-hitting defense and intense rivalry.
- Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets: The Dolphins head to New York to take on the Jets in an important AFC East matchup. Both teams are looking to establish themselves in the division, making this a crucial game for playoff positioning.
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans: The Jaguars and Titans will square off in a key AFC South battle. Jacksonville will be aiming to build on their recent successes, while the Titans look to assert their dominance in the division.
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers: In the NFC South, the Falcons will visit the Panthers in a game that could have significant implications for division standings.
- Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles: The Commanders will face the Eagles in an NFC East clash. The Eagles are favorites in this matchup, but Washington will be looking to pull off an upset.
2. Late Games (4:05 PM ET / 4:25 PM ET)
The late games will feature several intriguing matchups:
- Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers (4:05 PM ET): The Cowboys head to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in a game that pits two of the NFC’s premier teams against each other. Expect high drama and plenty of star power in this matchup.
- Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams (4:25 PM ET): The Seahawks and Rams will face off in a pivotal NFC West game. Both teams are looking to make a statement in the division, so this game is crucial for playoff aspirations.
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos (4:25 PM ET): The Chiefs will visit the Broncos in an AFC West showdown. Kansas City, with their potent offense, will look to continue their dominance in the division, while Denver will aim to challenge their rivals.
3. Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET)
- Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears: The Sunday Night Football game features a classic NFC North rivalry between the Packers and Bears. Both teams have rich histories and passionate fan bases, making this matchup a must-watch.
How to Watch
Here’s how you can catch all the action for today’s NFL games:
1. TV Broadcast
- CBS: The network will air the early games, including the Patriots vs. Bills, Steelers vs. Ravens, and Dolphins vs. Jets. CBS’s coverage includes pre-game shows and expert analysis.
- FOX: FOX will broadcast several of the early games, including the Jaguars vs. Titans, Falcons vs. Panthers, and Commanders vs. Eagles. FOX’s coverage features in-depth pre-game commentary and post-game analysis.
- NBC: The Sunday Night Football game, Packers vs. Bears, will be broadcast on NBC. The network’s coverage includes a comprehensive pre-game show and post-game analysis.
2. Streaming Options
- NFL Sunday Ticket: For fans looking to stream multiple games, NFL Sunday Ticket offers live streaming of all out-of-market games. This service is available through various platforms, including DirecTV and streaming providers that have partnered with the NFL.
- FuboTV: This streaming service provides access to CBS, FOX, and NBC, allowing viewers to watch the early and late games, as well as Sunday Night Football. FuboTV offers a free trial for new subscribers.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s live TV service includes CBS, FOX, and NBC in its channel lineup, making it a good option for streaming NFL games. Hulu + Live TV also offers a variety of additional channels and on-demand content.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV offers live streaming of CBS, FOX, and NBC, providing coverage of all the Sunday games. The service includes cloud DVR functionality, allowing viewers to record games and watch them later.
- Peacock: While Peacock primarily offers on-demand content, it also provides live streaming of Sunday Night Football games. If you’re looking to catch the Packers vs. Bears, Peacock is a convenient option.
- Paramount+: Paramount+ provides live streaming of CBS games, including the early matchups. The service offers both live and on-demand content, making it a flexible choice for NFL fans.
3. Radio and Mobile Apps
- SiriusXM Radio: SiriusXM offers live radio coverage of NFL games, including play-by-play commentary and analysis. Fans can tune in to their local team’s broadcast or listen to national coverage.
- NFL Mobile App: The NFL Mobile App provides live game updates, highlights, and stats. While live streaming of games may be limited to certain services, the app offers comprehensive coverage and real-time updates.
Key Matchups and Storylines
Today’s NFL games feature several intriguing storylines and key matchups:
**1. *Rivalry Games*: The Packers vs. Bears and Steelers vs. Ravens games highlight the day’s schedule with classic NFL rivalries. These games are expected to be highly competitive and emotionally charged.
**2. *Playoff Implications*: Several games, such as the Cowboys vs. 49ers and Chiefs vs. Broncos, have significant playoff implications. Teams are jockeying for position in their respective divisions, making these matchups crucial for their postseason hopes.
**3. *Star Players*: Fans will be watching to see standout performances from star players like Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Dak Prescott. These players can make a significant impact on their teams’ fortunes and influence playoff scenarios.
Conclusion
Sunday, August 18, 2024, promises to be an exciting day of NFL action with a full slate of games across various time slots. Whether you’re tuning in for the early games, late games, or Sunday Night Football, there are plenty of options to catch all the action. With games on CBS, FOX, and NBC, along with streaming services like NFL Sunday Ticket, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV, fans can easily access the games and stay updated on their favorite teams. As the season progresses, these matchups will play a crucial role in shaping playoff races and determining the course of the NFL season.
