What time are the NFL games today? TV schedule, channels for 2021 Christmas doubleheader

Open presents in the morning, watch games in the afternoon.

That’s what’s likely on tap for many NFL fans Saturday as there will be doubleheader action, starting with the Browns taking on the Packers and ending in the night with the Colts playing the Cardinals.

It’s bound to be an exciting day in the league, as all four teams are playing with high stakes on the line. While Aaron Rodgers and the Packers locked up the NFC North last Sunday with a win against the Ravens, they are still on the hunt to claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Browns, on the other hand, will have their first game with Baker Mayfield back under center as they hope to pick up a win in a tough end-of-season slate to stay alive in the tightly contested AFC North.

MORE: Watch NFL Christmas games live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)

One team along with the Packers vying for that No. 1 spot is the Cardinals, who did themselves no favors last Sunday in losing to the Lions. They’re now a game behind Green Bay after losing two straight games, including one to the NFC West rival Rams in Week 14. The road won’t be any easier for them as they face the Colts, who are coming off a 27-17 win against the Patriots. Jonathan Taylor had another dominating game as he continued to state his MVP case, rushing for 170 yards and scoring a touchdown to help lead Indianapolis to its seventh win in its past nine contests.

Sporting News has you covered with everything you need to know to watch the two games on Christmas day.

What teams are playing on Christmas?

Game 1

  • Date: Saturday, Dec. 25
  • Matchup: Browns at Packers
  • Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • Start time: 4:30 p.m. ET

Game 2

  • Date: Saturday, Dec. 25
  • Matchup: Colts at Cardinals
  • Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
  • Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Mayfield and Rodgers will meet for the first time in the late afternoon Christmas day matchup. Rodgers has only faced the Browns twice in his career, playing against them on Oct. 20, 2013, and Oct. 25, 2009, both times coming away with a win. The Browns and Packers last met on Dec. 10, 2017, but Rodgers was injured and unable to play in the game. The Packers still won 27-21 in overtime. All-time, the Packers have a 12-7 edge in the series.

Similarly, this will also be the first time that Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz play one another. Murray previously beat the Eagles on Dec. 20, 2020, but that win came against Jalen Hurts. This will also be the first time the Colts have played the Cardinals since Sept. 17, 2017, when Arizona won 16-13 in overtime. All-time, the Colts and Cardinals — dating back to the Baltimore and St. Louis days — sit at an even 8-8 record against one another.

NFL power rankings: Packers go to No. 1 as Buccaneers, Cardinals drop; Chiefs, Cowboys rise for Week 16

What channel are the NFL games on tonight?

Browns vs. Packers

Fans hoping to catch the Browns take on the Packers will have two options on cable to watch the clash: Fox and the NFL Network. While the “Thursday Night Football” matchup this week stopped the simulcast between the two networks for the game, it will be back for the Christmas afternoon matchup.

Looking to stream the game instead? fuboTV, which offers a seven-day free trial, carries the NFL Network and will be an option to view the Christmas afternoon game.

Colts vs. Cardinals

The Colts and Cardinals will only be found on the NFL Network and will not be simulcast on Fox.

For those without the network available on cable, fuboTV, which has a seven-day free trial, carries the NFL Network and will be an option to view the Christmas evening matchup.

NFL history playing on Christmas

The NFL first had a doubleheader on Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 25, 1971, when the Cowboys played against the Vikings and the Dolphins played against the Chiefs. The NFL was only 14 weeks that season, so those two games were each divisional playoff games. The Cowboys, who went on to win the Super Bowl that year, beat the Vikings 20-12, while the Dolphins, whom the Cowboys beat, won 27-24 in overtime against the Chiefs. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it was the longest game in the league’s history.

Since then, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has recorded 21 more games that have played on Christmas. The Cowboys have been involved in five of those games, the most of any team, as they continue their track record of appearing on television sets on holidays. There were three straight Christmas doubleheaders from 2004 to 2006, and two back-to-back in 2016 and 2017. 

NFL schedule Week 16

Here’s the full schedule for Week 16 of the NFL season, plus final scores and how to watch every game live. 

Note: national broadcasts are listed in bold

Thursday, Dec. 23

Game Time (ET) TV Channel
49ers at Titans 8:20 p.m. NFL Network, fuboTV

Saturday, Dec. 25

Game Time (ET) Channel
Browns at Packers 4:30 p.m. FOX, NFL Network, fuboTV
Colts at Cardinals 8:15 p.m. NFL Network, fuboTV

Sunday, Dec. 26

Game Time (ET) Channel
Lions at Falcons 1:00 p.m. Fox, fuboTV
Ravens at Bengals 1:00 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
Rams at Vikings 1:00 p.m. Fox, fuboTV
Bills at Patriots 1:00 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
Jaguars at Jets 1:00 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
Giants at Eagles 1:00 p.m. Fox, fuboTV
Buccaneers at Panthers 1:00 p.m. Fox, fuboTV
Chargers at Texans 1:00 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
Bears at Seahawks 4:05 p.m. Fox, fuboTV
Steelers at Chiefs 4:25 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
Broncos at Raiders 4:25 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
Washington at Cowboys 8:20 p.m. NBC, fuboTV

Monday, Dec. 27

Game Time (ET) Channel
Dolphins at Saints 8:15 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV

College football schedule: What bowl games are on today? Times, TV channels for Dec. 24-27

The initial slate of bowl online games are in the reserve, and numerous teams manufactured record in the method.

In the Cure Bowl, Coastal Carolina gained its first ever bowl activity in plan heritage. Meanwhile, the Boca Raton Bowl observed Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe set the NCAA one-time Division I information for both equally passing yards and touchdowns. UAB pulled off a person of its greatest wins in system record in the Independence bowl, knocking off No. 13 BYU 31-28 although Fresno Condition received 10 games for the very first time due to the fact 2018.

BENDER: Picks, predictions for all bowl video games in 2021-22

That was all just In one particular weekend. As bowl season progresses, additional documents may well tumble and extra coaches could be on the go. Bowl year also suggests fantastic uniform matchups, and special celebrations that contain dumping matters other than Gatorade on coaches.

The College or university Football Playoff won’t be contested until the end of December and early January in the meantime, you can get your college soccer take care of with dozens of other bowls, including through Xmas year, when the bowl slate is a little bit lighter, but nonetheless may possibly supply some interesting matchups.

Far more: Check out school soccer game titles reside with Sling Television set

University soccer plan: What games are on nowadays?

The full agenda for this weekend’s college or university soccer bowl video games, furthermore closing scores and how to watch every single sport stay.

Friday, Dec. 24

Bowl Matchup Time (ET) Television set channel
Hawai’i Bowl Memphis vs. Hawai’i – CANCELED 8 p.m. ESPN, Sling Tv

Memphis vs. Hawaii

This bowl video game was canceled just after Hawai’i withdrew from its very own bowl recreation thanks to amid other matters, COVID considerations in its system. Hawai’i gets the second staff to withdraw from a bowl amid COVID worries, becoming a member of Texas A&M, who pulled out of the Gator Bowl and was changed by Rutgers.

Extra: Full record of players skipping bowl games to prepare for 2022 NFL Draft

Saturday, Dec. 25

Bowl Matchup Time (ET) Tv set channel
Camellia Bowl Ga State vs. Ball Condition 2:30 p.m. ESPN, Sling Television

Georgia Point out vs. Ball Condition

Ga Condition is bowl suitable for the 3rd straight year, but necessary a late push to get there. The Panthers concluded the time profitable five of their final 6 online games, which includes a substantial upset in excess of perennial power Coastal Carolina. Shawn Elliott’s squad has one particular of the ideal ground game titles in the place, ranking No. 8 in hurrying offense. Georgia Condition is heading up a Ball Condition squad that gained the MAC meeting title past 12 months. The Cardinals concluded 6-6 this time, with their finest acquire coming from Military, and currently rank top-10 in turnover margin nationally.

Monday, Dec. 27

Bowl Matchup Time (ET) Television set channel
Rapid Lane Bowl Western Michigan vs. Nevada 11 a.m. ESPN, Sling Television
Navy Bowl Boston Higher education vs. East Carolina 2:30 p.m. ESPN, Sling Television

Western Michigan vs. Nevada

Western Michigan completed very last in the hyper-competitive MAC West at 4-4. The Broncos’ greatest acquire of the year was versus latest No. 12 Pitt, who they defeat 44-41 in Pittsburgh. There are two factors Tim Lester’s squad does extremely very well — will get teams off the field on third down (fourth nationally in 3rd down protection) and retains them off the area (third nationally in time of possession). Nevada, in the meantime, potential customers the country in turnover margin and is sixth in sacks, coming off an 8-4 year. Most notably, however, the Wolf Pack ranked fourth in the nation in passing offense thanks to Carson Solid, who’s led the Mountain West in passing yards, touchdowns and completions every single of the last two seasons.

Boston Faculty vs. East Carolina

Boston College has continually been a .500 team given that 2013, but are heading to their 2nd straight bowl activity less than Jeff Hafley. The Eagles bought dealt a major blow when star quarterback Phil Jurkovec harm his wrist in opposition to UMass, but he eventually returned late in the year. BC has the fourth-ideal move protection in the place, which as been a huge essential to their results. East Carolina is bowl eligible for the initial time because 2014 following ending the calendar year 7-5. The rank best-15 in third down protection and have a top rated-25 pasing assault, pitting their toughness versus Boston College’s.

How to observe, are living stream faculty football games

The initially slate of bowl online games will be broadcast are living on countrywide Television, with games showing up on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. Live streaming solutions include things like WatchESPN or Sling Tv.

COVID-19 sports postponement updates: NHL, college games affected

NFL postpones three Week 15 games due to COVID-19 surge

Cleveland has witnessed a considerable quantity of optimistic COVID-19 cases considering that it very last took the field Sunday, with additional than 20 gamers at this time on the reserve/COVID-19 checklist. Backup quarterback Circumstance Keenum joined starter Baker Mayfield on the checklist just after tests optimistic Thursday. Nick Mullenswill start off for the Browns if neither Mayfield or Keenum can return from the reserve/COVID-19 record in time for a game that will now consider put Monday. Head mentor Kevin Stefanski and managing backs coach Ryan Cordell are also currently unavailable simply because of COVID-19.

The Los Angeles Rams are also working with a important COVID-19 outbreak, putting nine players on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday to carry their full of gamers on the listing to 21, with four much more on the apply squad reserve/COVID-19 listing. Linebacker Von Miller was the most notable addition Thursday. L.A. then extra 4 much more gamers to their COVID list Friday.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey skipped Monday night’s acquire in excess of the Cardinals thanks to a beneficial check. Receiver Odell Beckham landed on the checklist Tuesday.

Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke finished up on the reserve/COVID-19 listing Friday following a optimistic check. Backup Kyle Allen is currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list, prompting Washington to signal Garrett Gilbert off the Patriots’ practice squad. Washington also signed Jordan Ta’amu to the practice squad this 7 days, wherever he joined Kyle Shurmur, the predicted starter if Heinicke and Allen are unable to participate in Tuesday. The Soccer Team presently has a lot more than 20 players in COVID-19 protocol.

The NFL on Thursday declared updated protocols, which consist of totally vaccinated gamers staying allowed to return from quarantine a working day soon after tests constructive furnished they generate two destructive checks in just 24 hours and are also asymptomatic.

The current protocols also bundled variations to conversation among coaches, players and some others in crew facilities, prohibiting in-human being meetings for Tier 1 and Tier 2 individuals (together with coaches and players) except they are held outdoors or in the team’s observe bubble with bodily distancing integrated. Masking is also needed indoors for all gamers and team, including in the pounds home, no matter of vaccination position. Constraints on action outside the house the facility have also enhanced, prohibiting Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 personnel and gamers from public appearances or crew- or participant-organized charity gatherings and accumulating in groups of extra than 3 people outside the house of the facility.

The up-to-date protocols came as a reaction to a adjust in the COVID-19 landscape and are intended to “tackle the raise in circumstances and the advent of the Omicron variant.” NFL Network’s Judy Battista reported Wednesday that approximately 100 gamers not too long ago analyzed constructive for COVID-19 around a 3-day span. Thirty-two players had been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday by itself. The ongoing enhance in placement of players on the reserve/COVID-19 list displays this spike in positive tests.

College football schedule: What bowl games are on today? Times, TV channels for Dec. 17-18

The college football postseason is officially upon us.

A record 84 teams were bowl-eligible this season, and thanks to the creation of the Frisco Classic they’re all postseason-bound. This is the first time every team that finished 6-6 or better is in a bowl. The 2021-22 bowl season is historic for other reasons as well. Cincinnati became the first Group of 5 school to make the College Football Playoff while Michigan will be making its first appearance in the CFP. 

MORE: Full list of players skipping bowl games to prepare for 2022 NFL Draft

Bowl season will also be a chance for some of the nation’s top overlooked players, such as Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe, to finally gain exposure and national prominence. With big-name players such as Kenny Pickett and Kenneth Walker opting out of New Year’s Six bowls, more emphasis will be placed on smaller bowls as they’ve become more compelling matchups.

BENDER: Picks, predictions for all bowl games in 2021-22

Beyond that, winning seasons are on the line, NCAA records on the line and reversals of fortune are at stake. 

The College Football Playoff won’t be contested until the end of December and early January; in the meantime, you can get your college football fix with dozens of other bowls, starting this weekend.

MORE: Watch college football games live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)

College football schedule: What games are on today?

The full schedule for Friday and Saturday’s college football bowl games, plus final scores and how to watch every game live.

Friday, Dec. 17

Bowl Matchup Time (ET) TV channel
Bahamas Bowl Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo Noon ESPN, fuboTV
Cure Bowl Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina 6 p.m. ESPN2, fuboTV

Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo

This is the second appearance in the Bahamas Bowl for both squads in the seven editions of the game. Middle Tennessee is coming off a 6-6 regular season without a signature win, but it is playing in its first bowl game since 2018. The Blue Raiders’ six defensive touchdowns lead the nation. Toledo went 7-5, with four of the losses coming by three points or fewer and all to bowl-eligible teams, including to then-No. 8 Notre Dame. The Rockets have won four of their last five and three in a row heading into the game. They have committed just six turnovers all season.

Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina

Northern Illinois has one of the best stories in college football this year. The Huskies went from 0-6 last season to 9-4 and a MAC conference title this season. They’re led by alum Thomas Hammock and propelled by one of the nation’s top running games, which averaged 234.2 yards per game and more than 5 yards per carry, good for fifth in the nation. The Chanticleers, who were ranked for much of the season, finished 10-2 after close losses to Georgia State and Appalachian State. The Chants are one of the nation’s most prolific offensive teams; they’re sixth in the nation in scoring offense and seventh in total offense. 

Saturday, Dec. 18

Bowl Matchup Time (ET) TV channel
Boca Raton Bowl Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State 11 a.m. ESPN, fuboTV
New Mexico Bowl UTEP vs. Fresno State 2:15 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV
Independence Bowl UAB vs. No. 13 BYU 3:30 p.m. ABC, fuboTV
Lending Tree Bowl Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty 5:45 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV
LA Bowl Utah State vs. Oregon State 7:30 p.m. ABC, fuboTV
New Orleans Bowl No. 23 Louisiana vs. Marshall 9:15 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV

Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State

Western Kentucky probably has the two best players in the country you’ve never heard of. Quarterback QB Bailey Zappe is four touchdowns away from breaking Joe Burrow’s single-season mark; he conveniently averages four passing touchdowns per game. Most of his passes are to wide receiver Jerreth Sterns, the nation’s second-best pass catcher. App State is coming off an appearance in the Sun Belt title game, where it lost to Louisiana for the second time this season. The Mountaineers do have a ranked win; they upset then-No. 14 Coastal Carolina. 

UTEP vs. Fresno State

UTEP is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014 thanks to a turnaround orchestrated by coach Dana Dimel. The Miners started 6-1 but finished 1-4. One thing they have going for them is that they’re one of the top teams in the country at defending on third down, ranking ninth. Fresno State got a major boost when quarterback Jake Haener, one of the top passers in the Mountain West, withdrew from the transfer portal and returned to the Bulldogs. It also got Jeff Tedford to return as head coach, giving it a superb offensive mind at the helm. The Bulldogs have the ninth-best passing attack in the nation and rank in the top 20 in several other key offensive categories.

UAB vs. No. 13 BYU

The Blazers have been bowl-eligible every year since returning to the FBS from a two-year hiatus in 2017. This year, they finished 8-4, the fourth time in five years coach Bill Clark has reached the eight-win milestone. A win Saturday would be their first in a bowl since 2018. BYU had one of the best seasons with seemingly one of the least just outcomes. The Cougars went 10-2 with two separate five-game winning streaks. They beat five Pac-12 teams, including ranked Utah and Arizona State. Kalani Sitake’s squad probably would have had a compelling case for a New Year’s Six bowl had it been ranked a spot or two higher, which it seemingly should have been.

Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty

One of the more surprising teams in the MAC this year, the 7-5 Eagles are going bowling for the third time in four years. Chris Creighton’s squad was the most disciplined in the nation, with the fewest penalties and fewest penalty yards. That could be the key to Eastern Michigan reaching eight wins, something the program last did in 1987. Liberty boasts one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Mailk Willis, who is widely projected to be a first-round NFL Draft pick, but defense has been the Flames’ calling card this year. They rank 11th in the nation in total defense and in the top 20 in sacks. Liberty is a year removed from the best season in program history. It will move from independent to Conference USA in 2023.

Utah State vs. Oregon State

Another team with a great story is Utah State and its coach, Blake Anderson. Anderson built Arkansas State into a Sun Belt power before stepping down following the death of his wife. In his first season in Logan, the Aggies went 10-3 and won the Mountain West title while ranking in the top 20 in total offense and registering the third-most tackles for loss in the nation. Oregon State enjoyed a renaissance at 7-5, the Beavers’ first winning season since 2013 when Mike Riley was the coach. The Beavers went 5-4 in Pac-12 play while having the nation’s 12th-best ground game and ranking sixth in third-down conversion percentage.

No. 23 Louisiana vs. Marshall

The Ragin’ Cajuns have been one of, if not the top power in the Sun Belt for the past several years. They easily won the conference title this year and are ranked inside the top 25 for the second year in a row. Their efforts under Billy Napier impressed a lot of people, including a few at Florida. Last month, Napier left Lafayette to take the UF job. Louisiana ranked No. 11 nationally in scoring defense and had the second-best turnover margin. Marshall, led by first-year coach Charles Huff, went 5-3 in C-USA play and 7-5 overall. The Thundering Herd had the ninth-best red zone defense and the 12th-most sacks to go with the 10th-highest total offense in the country and a 34 points-per-game scoring average. They will be seeking their first bowl win since 2018.

How to watch, live stream college football games

The first slate of bowl games will be broadcast live on national TV, with games appearing on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. Live streaming options include WatchESPN or fuboTV, which offers a seven-day free trial.

Roger Goodell doesn’t foresee postponing games