The most popular sport in the U.S. has a home on every major broadcast TV network known to man. But none might be more robust than FOX.
From its all-star cast of studio hosts and analysts to its marquee matchups on almost every Sunday of the season, FOX is the destination of choice for tens of millions of NFL fans. That extensive coverage continues deep into January, as the network is also home to three NFC playoff games. And in 2026, the network boasts “more windows than any other network” after adding two new matchups.
Because FOX has so much to offer, we wanted to give you a full breakdown of everything to expect on NFL on FOX in 2026. Keep reading to learn more.
What is NFL on FOX?
NFL on FOX is shorthand for all the network’s offerings related to professional football. It includes its weekly games occurring mostly on Sundays, its two very popular studio shows — more on those later — and the personalities peppering it all.
For the most part, FOX showcases games featuring teams in the NFC. Relatedly, FOX broadcasts an NFC Wild Card and Divisional Playoff game, as well as the conference championship.
NFL on FOX’s claim to fame is its airing of “America’s Game of the Week,” which is really just a fancy way of referring to the late afternoon game that airs at 4:25 p.m. ET on a doubleheader Sunday. These games are typically ones FOX thinks will be the most exciting for fans.
The channel’s TV ratings tell that story quite well. Last season, the marquee time slot averaged more than 25 million viewers, per the network. Overall, FOX had its best season in quite some time, as the graphic below shows.
A season of bests for the @NFLonFOX 🙌
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) January 6, 2026
✔️ FOX’s best regular season since 2015
✔️ AGOTW's best performance since 2015
✔️ FOX NFL SUNDAY’s best season since 2022
✔️ FOX NFL KICKOFF’s best season since 2019 pic.twitter.com/kDoFrsQNQc
2026 NFL on FOX TV schedule
Sundays on FOX during the 2026 NFL season are gonna be lit. Aside from the regular weekly matchups, there will also be big games on major holidays.
FOX will air a game on Thanksgiving between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. On Christmas Day, the Los Angeles Rams travel to try to deck the halls of the Seattle Seahawks.
Check out this season’s full NFL on FOX schedule below, which features the first tripleheader in more than 10 years.
Data effective as of post date. Sunday afternoon games are subject to flexible scheduling. Kick-off times for Sunday afternoon games may also change between 1:00 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. or 4:25 p.m. ET.
Pro tip: Wondering which NFL game you’ll get on your local FOX or CBS station this Sunday? My go-to resource is 506 Sports. The site posts weekly coverage maps that show exactly which games will air in your area. If the matchup you want isn’t local, you’ll need NFL Sunday Ticket.
Best ways to watch NFL on FOX
The best part about NFL on FOX is you really only need one channel to watch the games. But it’s worth trying to get you the best bang for your buck. That’s why we’ve listed three great viewing options below, from the cheapest to the most comprehensive.
- Buy an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Since FOX is a broadcast channel, it’s available for free in most U.S. markets with an OTA antenna. I like the Moho Leaf 50 for its ease of install and 60-mile range, which will get you access to every local broadcast channel. All you have to do is buy it once, set it up, scan for your local channels, and you’re golden.
- Subscribe to FOX One. FOX got into the streaming game for real with its rollout of FOX One, a standalone app aimed at cord-cutters who love FOX’s sports, news, and entertainment offerings. It costs $19.99 per month and allows viewers to watch FS1, FOX Deportes, and other channels. The service also offers a seven-day free trial.
- Get YouTube TV. If you’re a die-hard NFL fan, either of one team or perhaps multiple, watching just on FOX probably won’t satisfy your pigskin pangs. Getting YouTube TV allows you to watch other broadcast channels like ABC, NBC, and CBS. You’ll get ESPN and NFL Network, plus the chance to add NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone.
FYI: If you have a TV service already but want the flexibility to stream on the go, downloading the FOX Sports App and logging in with your credentials will get the job done.
Meet the NFL on FOX broadcast team
The top studio shows on FOX are “FOX NFL Kickoff” and “FOX NFL Sunday.” Fans are in for a treat there due to the who’s who of former NFL stars and a hot take artists who lend their talents to those broadcasts.
Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will finally call a game in New England. Make sure to tune into that game during Week 9, when the Patriots play the Green Bay Packers.
The full list of personalities is yet to be announced for the 2026 season. But at least be ready to spend some more time with Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long, the OGs of “FOX NFL Sunday.” Their on-air chemistry continues to this day, and alone is the reason to tune into the show.
This page will be updated with more information as it’s released.
How to watch NFL on FOX FAQ
Does FOX have NFL games?
Yes, fans can watch NFL games on FOX generally every Sunday during the 2026 season. FOX entered the NFL broadcasting game back in 1994 and hasn’t looked back since.
Can I watch NFL on FOX for free?
Yes. The best way to watch NFL games on FOX for free is to use an OTA antenna. The one-time purchase will get you access to national broadcast networks like FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS. You’ll just want to double-check your local channels by entering your zip code into the FCC’s Reception Map Tool or Antenna Direct’s TV Transmitter Locator.
How can I watch out-of-market NFL games on FOX?
The only way to watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon FOX games is with an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription. This service gives you access to every regional Sunday game that isn’t airing in your local area. You can get NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on to YouTube TV or as a standalone subscription through YouTube Primetime Channels.
Does FOX have a sports channel?
FOX owns channels FS1 and FS2, which are premium channels dedicated to sports coverage. They’re available via various cable and satellite providers, or live TV streaming services. They’re also included with the new FOX One streaming service.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com junior sports writer, Alex Vejar, analyzed the full NFL on FOX schedule for 2026. Using that information, he researched all the best TV providers and streaming services to find the most effective and affordable ways for you to watch every game. This guide is the result of that hands-on analysis.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
