The draft is done. The Hall of Fame game is less than three months away. And now, finally, it’s time for the release of the 2021 NFL schedule.
This season is both about a return to normal—and big changes. After being largely empty last year, stadiums will welcome fans back, with some teams supporting full capacity. But for the first time in the league’s history, all teams will play 17 games as part of the regular season.
The official release of the schedule occurs Wednesday night. But some matchups have already leaked. Planning to watch—or just can’t wait for the details? Find all the information you need below.
When will the 2021 NFL schedule be released?
The entire 2021 NFL schedule will be released at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 12. The event will air live on the NFL Network.
Can I watch the release of the NFL schedule online?
You can—in a variety of ways. If you’re not near a TV, you can log on to the NFL app.
Prefer another option? Here are a few alternatives.
Locast.org
This free service lets you watch local broadcast channels with no monthly fees or contracts. The hiccup is that it only services select parts of the country.
Hulu + Live TV
You can try the service free for a week; you’ll then pay $65 per month.
YouTube TV
After a two-week trial , you can expect monthly charges of $65.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling offers a lower-tier </span><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://coins2day.com/company/orange"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #1baae1; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Orange</span></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> plan that will run you $35 a month. A more comprehensive Blue plan bumps the cost to $50 per month. (Both have ABC.) You’ll have a seven-day free trial first—and right now, the cord-cutting service is dropping the first month’s bill to $10.
AT&T TV
Formerly known as DirecTV Now and AT&T TVNow, AT&T’s streaming service will run you $70 per month and up. There is no longer a free-trial option.
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ can be enjoyed for free for seven days, after which you’ll pay $12.99 per month for all three combined.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries CBS in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $65 to $80, depending on the channels you choose.
When does the 2021 NFL season begin?
The first game will be held on Thursday, Sept. 9, starting at 8:20 p.m. ET, when the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Dallas Cowboys.
Where will NFL games air this season?
Sunday afternoon games will air on CBS and Fox, as they did last year, while Sunday Night Football will air on NBC. Monday Night Football will air on ABC and ESPN. And most Thursday night football games will air on Fox this year. (Amazon’s exclusive deal with the NFL kicks in starting in 2022.)
What are the Week One games of the 2021 NFL season?
Thursday, Sept. 9
Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Sunday, Sept. 12
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET on CBS
New York Jets at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET on CBS
Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET on Fox
Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team, 1 p.m. ET on CBS
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET on Fox
Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET on CBS
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET on Fox
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET on Fox
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET on CBS
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m. On CBS
Denver Broncos at New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Sept. 13
Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC
Can I buy tickets for the 2021 NFL season yet?
You can. Tickets are currently available on Ticketmaster.
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