What Network is the Chiefs Game On?
Knowing what network the Kansas City Chiefs game is on is crucial for any fan. To find out what network the Chiefs game is on, you’ll need to check the weekly NFL broadcast schedule.
The Journey to Sunday (and Beyond) Football
For die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fans, knowing where to catch the action each week is paramount. The NFL, however, isn’t always straightforward. The what network is the Chiefs game on question is dictated by a complex tapestry of broadcasting agreements, primetime slots, and flex scheduling. Understanding the landscape helps avoid missing crucial moments.
The NFL Broadcasting Ecosystem
The NFL’s broadcasting rights are divvied up amongst several major networks, each holding a piece of the pigskin pie. Knowing which networks typically broadcast which games is a good starting point:
- CBS: Generally airs American Football Conference (AFC) games, which the Chiefs are a part of.
- FOX: Typically broadcasts National Football Conference (NFC) games.
- NBC: Holds the rights to Sunday Night Football.
- ESPN/ABC: Air Monday Night Football.
- Amazon Prime Video: Streams Thursday Night Football.
- NFL Network: Shows a selection of games, including international games and Thursday Night Football.
Deciphering the Schedule: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding out what network is the Chiefs game on requires a bit of detective work each week. Here’s a systematic approach:
- Consult the Official NFL Schedule: The NFL website is the primary source of truth. The schedule is usually released well in advance of the season.
- Check Team Websites and Apps: The official Kansas City Chiefs website and app will always have updated broadcast information.
- Utilize TV Guides: Traditional TV guides (online and print) still provide detailed listings.
- Use Sports Apps and Websites: ESPN, TheScore, and similar apps usually provide broadcast details.
- Look for Local Broadcast Information: Local news outlets and sports reporters will often announce what network is the Chiefs game on in their area.
Common Scenarios and Exceptions
While CBS generally shows AFC games, several factors can shift the Chiefs game to another network:
- Primetime Games: Sunday Night Football (NBC) and Monday Night Football (ESPN/ABC) take precedence. If the Chiefs are scheduled for one of these slots, the game will be on that network.
- Thursday Night Football: If the Chiefs are playing on a Thursday, the game will likely be on Amazon Prime Video or NFL Network.
- Flex Scheduling: The NFL can “flex” games from Sunday afternoon to Sunday night to showcase more compelling matchups. This can move a Chiefs game from CBS to NBC.
- International Games: Some games are played internationally and may be broadcast on different networks or streaming services.
The Impact of Streaming Services
The rise of streaming services has further complicated the what network is the Chiefs game on question. Many games are now exclusively available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Paramount+. Subscribing to these services may be necessary to catch all the Chiefs action.
Table of Potential Broadcast Partners
| Network | Typical Games | Chiefs Game Probability |
|---|---|---|
| CBS | AFC Games | High |
| FOX | NFC Games | Low |
| NBC | Sunday Night Football | Moderate |
| ESPN/ABC | Monday Night Football | Moderate |
| Amazon Prime Video | Thursday Night Football | Moderate |
| NFL Network | Thursday Night Football, International Games | Low |
What Happens if the Game is Blacked Out?
A blackout is when a game is not broadcast in its local market, usually due to poor ticket sales. Blackouts are rare in the NFL now due to rule changes, but if it happens, a local station won’t show the game. Finding what network is the Chiefs game on won’t matter if it’s blacked out in your area.
Utilizing Social Media
Follow official NFL and team accounts on social media for last-minute updates and confirmations on broadcast information.
FAQ Section:
How can I quickly find out what network the Chiefs game is on this week?
The quickest way is to check the official NFL schedule on their website or app. They usually update broadcast information a week in advance.
What if the Chiefs game is on a streaming service that I don’t subscribe to?
Consider a free trial if offered, or explore options like borrowing a friend’s login (with their permission, of course!) Alternatively, some sports bars show all the games.
Are all Chiefs games televised nationally?
Not all, but most are. Primetime games (Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights) are always national broadcasts. Other games may depend on their popularity and significance.
What if the game time changes at the last minute? Will the network also change?
While rare, game times can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The network may or may not change depending on the reason for the change and contractual agreements. Always double-check if there’s a time adjustment.
Will the local CBS affiliate always show the Chiefs game if they are playing an AFC opponent on Sunday afternoon?
Generally, yes, the local CBS affiliate is the most likely channel for a Sunday afternoon Chiefs game against an AFC opponent. However, there may be rare exceptions due to local programming conflicts.
How accurate are third-party TV listings websites?
While helpful, third-party TV listings can sometimes be inaccurate. Always verify information with official sources like the NFL website or team website.
Do preseason games follow the same network rules as regular season games?
Preseason games often have different broadcast arrangements. They may be on local channels, regional sports networks, or the NFL Network. Check the specific schedule for each preseason game.
Is there a way to watch out-of-market Chiefs games?
NFL Sunday Ticket (available through YouTube TV) allows you to watch all out-of-market games. This is the most comprehensive option for fans living outside the Kansas City area.
If the Chiefs are playing on Amazon Prime Video, can I watch it on regular TV?
You will need a compatible streaming device (smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, etc.) and an Amazon Prime subscription to watch Chiefs games on Amazon Prime Video.
What does “flex scheduling” mean, and how does it affect the Chiefs game?
Flex scheduling allows the NFL to move games from Sunday afternoon to Sunday night (NBC) to showcase better matchups. This means a Chiefs game initially scheduled on CBS could be moved to NBC with a week’s notice.
How can I stay updated on any broadcast changes throughout the season?
Follow the official NFL, Kansas City Chiefs, and reputable sports news outlets on social media. They typically announce any changes promptly.
What are the best apps for finding out what network the Chiefs game is on?
The official NFL app, ESPN app, and team-specific apps (like the official Chiefs app) are excellent resources. These apps provide updated schedules, scores, and broadcast information.