The Regular NFL Season Schedule
As a die-hard fan of the National Football League (NFL), I can tell you that the main games typically take place on Sundays. From September to December, you can look forward to a full day of football action on your screen. The games usually start at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, with the last game kicking off at around 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time. It's a tradition that has been maintained since the league's inception, with the majority of games scheduled on Sundays to avoid conflicts with other popular sports like college football and high school football that have games on Fridays and Saturdays.
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a long-standing tradition that began in 1970. The idea was to provide football fans with prime-time entertainment to start the week. Usually, there's one game on Monday night, which kicks off at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time. It's a time when players and teams have the chance to showcase their skills under the national spotlight. The entire nation tunes in, waiting to see which team will triumph under the Monday night lights.
Thursday Night Games
Thursday Night Football is a relatively new addition to the NFL schedule, having started in 2006. The games typically begin at 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time. This slot is often filled with exciting matchups that offer fans a midweek dose of football action. It's a great way to keep the football spirit alive throughout the week and to start the weekend early for some fans.
Saturday Games Late in the Season
As we approach the end of the regular season, typically around mid-December, the NFL adds Saturday games to the schedule. These games are often crucial for teams battling for a playoff spot, making them even more thrilling to watch. The kickoff times vary, but there are usually a couple of games to enjoy, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. So, Saturday becomes another day to look forward to some great NFL action.
Special Occasions: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day Games
In addition to the regular schedule, the NFL has a tradition of hosting games on Thanksgiving Day. This tradition dates back to 1920 and has become an integral part of the holiday for many American families. Typically, three games are played on Thanksgiving Day. Besides, the NFL occasionally schedules games on Christmas Day, depending on how the holiday falls in relation to the regular weekly schedule. These games add extra excitement to the holiday festivities.
Post-Season and Super Bowl Sunday
Once the regular season concludes, the post-season or playoffs begin, usually in January. The games are held on both Saturdays and Sundays during this period. The culmination of the NFL season is the Super Bowl, the biggest event in American sports, which is always held on a Sunday. The Super Bowl Sunday is not just a game, it's an event filled with spectacular halftime shows and commercials that are as eagerly anticipated as the game itself.