If you’re wondering why your favorite football team isn’t on Fox today, it’s usually because of the NFL schedule. Fox broadcasts specific games each week as part of its contract. Sometimes, a game might not be on Fox due to broadcast changes, a game cancellation, or even a sports blackout. This guide will help you figure out why the action might be missing from your screen and what your game day alternatives are.
Navigating the NFL Schedule on Fox
The National Football League (NFL) has a complex broadcasting system. Different networks, including Fox, NBC, CBS, and ESPN, share the rights to broadcast games. Fox typically handles the Sunday afternoon doubleheader games and sometimes a Saturday game during the regular season and playoffs.
Factors Affecting Fox’s Football Broadcasts
- Rotating Schedule: The NFL schedule is designed so that different games are shown on different networks each week. This ensures all major broadcast partners get a variety of matchups throughout the season.
- Market Relevance: The games broadcast by Fox on any given Sunday are often determined by which games are deemed most appealing to viewers in specific geographic markets. This means that if your local team isn’t playing a high-profile game, or if another game is considered more significant nationally, it might be aired on a different network.
- League-Wide Broadcast Rights: The NFL has exclusive broadcast agreements with its partners. Fox does not have rights to every single game. For example, Thursday Night Football is primarily on Amazon Prime Video, and Sunday Night Football is on NBC. Monday Night Football is on ESPN.
What to Do If Your Game Isn’t on Fox
- Check Your TV Guide: The most straightforward step is to consult your TV guide. This will tell you precisely which games are being broadcast on Fox and at what times. Most cable providers and streaming services offer a digital TV guide or an app that provides up-to-date listings.
- Consult the Official NFL Schedule: The NFL’s official website or app provides the most accurate and comprehensive NFL schedule. You can filter by day, network, and even team to see where each game is being televised.
- Look for National vs. Local Broadcasts: Fox might be broadcasting a national game that doesn’t involve your local team. In such cases, if your local team is playing, it might be on CBS or another affiliate.
Common Reasons for Missing Football on Fox
There are several common scenarios that could lead to Fox not airing the game you expect.
Broadcast Changes and Schedule Adjustments
The NFL is a dynamic league, and sometimes the broadcast schedule needs to change.
Scenarios for Broadcast Changes:
- Flex Scheduling: For late-season games (typically Weeks 5-17), the NFL can move games between CBS and Fox to ensure the most competitive and interesting matchups are shown to the largest audiences. If a game you were expecting on Fox was moved to CBS, this is likely the reason.
- Unexpected Game Time Changes: While rare, extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances could lead to a game being postponed or rescheduled, which might affect broadcast plans.
Game Cancellation or Postponement
In very rare instances, a game might be canceled or postponed.
Reasons for Game Cancellation/Postponement:
- Severe Weather: Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, blizzards, or lightning storms, can force the postponement of games for safety reasons.
- Unforeseen Emergencies: Pandemics, facility issues, or other major disruptions could theoretically lead to a game cancellation or rescheduling.
- COVID-19 Related Issues: In past seasons, outbreaks within teams led to game postponements. While less common now, it remains a possibility.
If a game is canceled, it won’t be broadcast by any network. If it’s postponed, its broadcast slot will be filled by another game, which might or might not be on Fox.
Sports Blackouts
A sports blackout is a situation where a live sporting event is not broadcast in a specific local market, usually because the local team is playing at home and not all tickets have been sold.
How Blackouts Work:
- Local Market Restrictions: Broadcasting agreements often include blackout rules to encourage ticket sales for home games.
- Network and Affiliate Responsibility: While the league sets the rules, broadcasters and their local affiliates are responsible for enforcing them.
- Impact on Fox: If a home game is subject to a blackout, Fox, as the broadcaster for that game in that region, would adhere to the blackout.
Network Issues and Technical Difficulties
Less common, but still possible, are issues on the network’s end.
Potential Network Issues:
- Technical Glitches: Rarely, a network might experience technical difficulties that interrupt or prevent a broadcast.
- Programming Conflicts: Although unlikely for major football games, other scheduled programming could theoretically cause a conflict, leading to a broadcast being moved or skipped.
Exploring Game Day Alternatives
If Fox isn’t showing the football you want to watch, there are plenty of other ways to get your fix.
Other Broadcast Networks
- CBS: Broadcasts its own slate of NFL games, often including AFC matchups and a national doubleheader on Sundays.
- NBC: Home of Sunday Night Football, arguably the most-watched weekly NFL program.
- ESPN: Broadcasts Monday Night Football.
- NFL Network: Carries a selection of games, including international games and some preseason matchups.
Streaming Services
Many streaming services offer live TV packages that include the major sports channels.
Popular Streaming Options:
- YouTube TV: Offers a comprehensive package of live sports channels.
- Hulu + Live TV: Combines on-demand content with live TV channels.
- Sling TV: A more budget-friendly option with customizable channel packages.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Provides a robust selection of sports channels.
- Amazon Prime Video: Has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football.
- Peacock: Streams some NBC sports content, including select NFL games.
Other Sports Programming
If football isn’t on Fox, consider exploring other sports programming. Fox itself broadcasts other sports, such as college football (especially Big Ten and Pac-12 Conference games) or other sports like NASCAR or soccer, depending on the season. Your local Fox affiliate might also show high school sports or other regional athletic events.
Fathoming Fox’s NFL Broadcasts
Let’s delve deeper into how Fox’s NFL schedule is determined and what it means for viewers.
Fox’s Role in NFL Broadcasting
Fox Sports has been a major player in NFL broadcasting for decades. They typically air the NFC package, meaning they broadcast most games involving NFC teams. This includes a mix of national showcase games and regional broadcasts.
Key Fox NFL Broadcasts:
- Sunday Afternoon Doubleheaders: Fox often airs two games on Sunday afternoons. The early game is usually regional, while the late game can be national or also regional, depending on the matchups.
- NFC Championship Game: Fox has the rights to broadcast one of the two conference championship games each year.
- Super Bowl Rotation: Fox also rotates with other networks to broadcast the Super Bowl.
Identifying Your Local Fox Channel
Your local channel is crucial for understanding which games are available to you. Even if Fox is broadcasting an NFL game nationally, your local affiliate might choose to air a different game if it’s deemed more relevant to the local market.
Tips for Finding Your Local Fox:
- Cable/Satellite Provider Listings: Your provider’s on-screen TV guide will clearly show your local Fox channel.
- Online Search: A quick search for “Fox channel [your city/state]” will usually provide the correct local affiliate information.
- Over-the-Air Antenna: If you use an antenna, you’ll need to scan for local channels to find your Fox affiliate.
Understanding Network Issues and Sports Blackouts
It’s important to distinguish between a broadcast not being on Fox and a sports blackout. A blackout is a specific restriction for a local market, whereas a game not being on Fox is usually a matter of scheduling rights.
Distinguishing Between Issues:
- Scheduling Rights: If your team is playing an AFC game, it’s more likely to be on CBS. If it’s a prime-time game, it’s likely on NBC or ESPN. This is standard NFL schedule practice.
- Blackout Rules: A sports blackout typically applies to home games where ticket sales are insufficient. This is less common in the NFL now due to sellout rates, but the rules still exist.
- Network Issues: These are very rare and usually resolved quickly. If a network issue is widespread, you’ll likely hear about it through news outlets or on social media.
Deciphering the NFL Broadcast Landscape
The NFL’s broadcast rights are a carefully managed system designed to maximize viewership and revenue. For fans, this means understanding who has rights to what and when.
The Role of Broadcast Partners
- CBS: Primarily broadcasts AFC games.
- Fox: Primarily broadcasts NFC games.
- NBC: Broadcasts Sunday Night Football.
- ESPN: Broadcasts Monday Night Football.
- Amazon Prime Video: Broadcasts Thursday Night Football.
- NFL Network: Broadcasts a mix of games, including international series games and some preseason contests.
How Broadcast Changes Impact Viewers
Broadcast changes are a normal part of the NFL season. Flex scheduling, in particular, allows the league to ensure that the most compelling matchups are shown during prime viewing windows. This can sometimes mean a game you expected to see on Fox is moved to CBS or vice-versa. Always refer to the most up-to-date NFL schedule to avoid confusion.
Future NFL Broadcast Trends
The landscape of sports broadcasting is evolving. With the rise of streaming services, more games are becoming available online. This means more game day alternatives than ever before. For instance, Thursday Night Football’s move to Amazon Prime Video signifies a shift towards digital platforms. It’s important to stay informed about these trends to ensure you don’t miss any upcoming games.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Football Broadcasts
Q1: Is Fox showing NFL games every Sunday?
A1: Fox shows NFL games most Sundays during the regular season, but not every single game. Their broadcast slate focuses primarily on NFC matchups and includes a Sunday afternoon doubleheader.
Q2: What if the game I want to watch isn’t on Fox?
A2: Check other networks like CBS, NBC, or ESPN, as they also broadcast NFL games. Your streaming service or TV guide will be essential for finding out where the game is being televised. The official NFL schedule is also a reliable resource.
Q3: Can a game be moved from Fox to another network?
A3: Yes, due to “flex scheduling” in the latter half of the season, games can be moved between CBS and Fox to ensure the most popular matchups are broadcast.
Q4: What is a sports blackout and how does it affect me?
A4: A sports blackout prevents a game from being shown in a local market, usually if the home team hasn’t sold enough tickets. This would mean your local Fox affiliate might not broadcast a specific game due to these rules.
Q5: Where can I find the most accurate NFL schedule?
A5: The official NFL website or the NFL app provides the most accurate and up-to-date NFL schedule. Your cable provider’s TV guide or your streaming service’s guide are also good sources.
Q6: Are there other ways to watch football if Fox isn’t showing my game?
A6: Absolutely. Other networks like CBS, NBC, and ESPN broadcast games. Additionally, streaming services and platforms like Amazon Prime Video offer live football viewing options, providing numerous game day alternatives.
Q7: What kind of sports programming does Fox typically broadcast besides the NFL?
A7: Fox also broadcasts college football, particularly games from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. They also show other sports like NASCAR, MLB, and various international soccer leagues, depending on the season.
Q8: Could a game cancellation affect what Fox is showing today?
A8: If a game is canceled, it simply won’t be broadcast. If it’s postponed, its slot will be filled by another game, which might affect whether Fox shows your preferred matchup. This is distinct from typical broadcast changes.
Q9: How do I know which Fox channel is my local channel?
A9: Your cable provider’s TV guide, your streaming service’s channel list, or a quick online search for “Fox channel [your city]” will help you identify your local channel.
Q10: What are upcoming games I should look out for on Fox?
A10: To know about upcoming games on Fox, always check the official NFL schedule or your local TV guide. Fox typically broadcasts NFC matchups and plays a role in playoff games.