If you’re a fan of the Washington Football Team (now officially known as the Washington Commanders), you might be wondering, “What channel are they playing on?” This is a common question, especially during the NFL season when games are broadcast on various networks. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about where to watch the Washington Football Team play, including the channels, streaming options, and how to never miss a game. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the NFL Broadcasting System
Before we get into the specifics of the Washington Football Team, it’s important to understand how NFL games are broadcast. The NFL has partnerships with several major networks, and each network has the rights to broadcast certain games. Here’s a quick overview of the main networks:
CBS: Broadcasts most AFC home games.
FOX: Broadcasts most NFC home games.
NBC: Broadcasts Sunday Night Football.
ESPN: Broadcasts Monday Night Football.
NFL Network: Broadcasts Thursday Night Football (some games are also simulcast on Amazon Prime Video).
Amazon Prime Video: Exclusive rights to some Thursday Night Football games.
Since the Washington Football Team is part of the NFC (National Football Conference), most of their games will be broadcast on FOX. However, depending on the schedule, they may also appear on CBS, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network.
Regular Season Games: Where to Watch
During the regular season, the Washington Football Team plays 17 games, with most of them taking place on Sundays. Here’s a breakdown of where you can watch their games:
Sunday Afternoon Games
FOX: Most of the Washington Football Team’s Sunday afternoon games are broadcast on FOX. This is because FOX has the rights to most NFC games. If the team is playing at home or against another NFC team, the game will likely be on FOX.
CBS: If the Washington Football Team is playing an AFC team (like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills), the game will usually be on CBS. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s good to keep in mind.
Sunday Night Football
NBC: Sunday Night Football is one of the most-watched NFL events each week. If the Washington Football Team is scheduled for a primetime Sunday night game, it will be broadcast on NBC. These games are usually high-profile matchups, so they’re a big deal for fans.
Monday Night Football
ESPN: Monday Night Football is another primetime slot, and if the Washington Football Team is playing on Monday night, the game will be on ESPN. These games are exclusive to ESPN, so you’ll need access to this channel to watch.
Thursday Night Football
NFL Network/Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football games are split between the NFL Network and Amazon Prime Video. Some games are broadcast on both, while others are exclusive to Amazon Prime. If the Washington Football Team is playing on Thursday night, check both platforms to see where the game is available.
Preseason Games: Where to Watch
Preseason games are a bit different from regular-season games. These games are used to evaluate players and prepare for the regular season, so they’re not always broadcast on national networks. Here’s where you can watch Washington Football Team preseason games:
Local Networks: Most preseason games are broadcast on local networks. For Washington, this usually means NBC Sports Washington or the team’s official website.
NFL Network: Some preseason games are re-aired on the NFL Network, so if you miss the live broadcast, you can catch it later.
Playoff Games: Where to Watch
If the Washington Football Team makes it to the playoffs, the broadcasting rules change slightly. Playoff games are broadcast on national networks, so you won’t have to worry about regional restrictions. Here’s where you can watch:
Wild Card and Divisional Round: These games are usually split between CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN.
Conference Championships: The NFC Championship Game (if the Washington Football Team makes it this far) is broadcast on FOX.
Super Bowl: The Super Bowl is broadcast on a rotating basis between CBS, FOX, and NBC. If the Washington Football Team makes it to the Super Bowl, you’ll need to check which network has the rights that year.
Streaming Options for Washington Football Team Games
If you don’t have cable or prefer to stream games online, there are plenty of options available. Here’s a list of the best streaming services for watching the Washington Football Team:
Live TV Streaming Services
YouTube TV: Offers CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. This is a great all-in-one option for watching NFL games.
Hulu + Live TV: Includes all the major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) and NFL Network.
Sling TV: Offers ESPN and NFL Network, but you’ll need an antenna for local channels like CBS and FOX.
FuboTV: A sports-focused streaming service that includes CBS, FOX, NBC, and NFL Network.
DirecTV Stream: Offers all the major networks and NFL Network.
Standalone Streaming Services
NFL Sunday Ticket: If you’re out of market and want to watch every Washington Football Team game, NFL Sunday Ticket is the best option. It’s available through DirecTV or as a standalone streaming service for eligible customers.
Amazon Prime Video: For Thursday Night Football games, Amazon Prime Video is the go-to platform.
ESPN+: While ESPN+ doesn’t broadcast live NFL games, it’s a good option for watching replays and highlights.
Team-Specific Streaming
Washington Football Team Official App: The team’s official app often provides live audio broadcasts, highlights, and updates.
NFL Mobile App: The NFL Mobile App allows you to stream games that are broadcast on local networks.
International Fans: Where to Watch
If you’re a fan of the Washington Football Team living outside the United States, you can still watch the games. The NFL offers several options for international fans:
NFL Game Pass International: This service allows you to stream every NFL game live, including Washington Football Team games. You can also watch replays and highlights.
Local Broadcasters: In some countries, local networks have the rights to broadcast NFL games. Check your local listings to see if the Washington Football Team is playing on TV.
How to Find Out What Channel the Game is On
If you’re ever unsure about what channel the Washington Football Team is playing on, here are a few ways to find out:
NFL Schedule: The official NFL website has a full schedule of all games, including the broadcasting network.
Team Website: The Washington Football Team’s official website usually lists the broadcasting information for each game.
TV Listings: Check your local TV listings or use an app like TV Guide to find out what channel the game is on.
Social Media: Follow the Washington Football Team on social media for updates on game times and channels.
Tips for Never Missing a Game
Here are some tips to ensure you never miss a Washington Football Team game:
Set Reminders: Use your phone or smart home device to set reminders for game times.
DVR: If you can’t watch the game live, record it using your DVR.
Follow the Team: Stay updated by following the team’s official social media accounts and website.
Streaming Backup: Have a streaming service as a backup in case your primary method of watching fails.
Conclusion
Watching the Washington Football Team play is an exciting experience, and now you know exactly where to find their games. Whether you prefer traditional TV or streaming, there are plenty of options to catch every snap, touchdown, and victory. Remember to check the schedule, set reminders, and explore streaming services if you don’t have cable. With this guide, you’ll never have to ask, “What channel is the Washington Football Team playing on?” again. Go Team!
This article provides a comprehensive overview of where to watch the Washington Football Team, covering all possible scenarios and options. Whether you’re a local fan or an international supporter, you now have all the information you need to enjoy every game.
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