Which Channels Broadcast NFL Games on Dish Network?

AvatarByDerek Greene American Football (NFL)

When it comes to enjoying the thrill of NFL games, knowing exactly where to find the action on your TV is essential—especially if you’re a Dish Network subscriber. With a variety of channels broadcasting the games throughout the season, navigating the lineup can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, understanding which channels carry NFL games on Dish ensures you never miss a touchdown or a game-changing play.

NFL broadcasts are spread across multiple networks, each offering unique coverage, commentary, and special features. Dish Network provides access to many of these channels, making it a popular choice for football enthusiasts who want comprehensive access to the season’s biggest matchups. However, the channel availability can vary based on your location and the specific Dish package you subscribe to, adding another layer to consider when tuning in.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key channels that air NFL games on Dish, helping you identify where to catch every kickoff, halftime show, and post-game analysis. Whether you’re watching from home or planning a game day gathering, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to fully enjoy the NFL season through your Dish service.

Key Channels for NFL Games on Dish Network

NFL games are broadcast across a variety of networks, and Dish Network packages include access to most of the major channels that carry NFL matchups. Understanding which channels to tune into can help viewers catch their favorite teams and key matchups throughout the season.

The primary channels where NFL games are typically broadcast on Dish include:

  • CBS: Home to most AFC games and Sunday afternoon broadcasts.
  • FOX: Carries the majority of NFC games on Sunday afternoons.
  • NBC: Broadcasts the Sunday Night Football games.
  • ESPN: Exclusive home of Monday Night Football.
  • NFL Network: Offers select games, including Thursday Night Football and special events.
  • Prime Video: Although not a traditional channel on Dish, some Thursday games are also available through Amazon Prime’s streaming service, which requires a separate subscription.

In addition to these, regional sports networks (RSNs) often carry preseason games or local team broadcasts depending on your location.

Channel Numbers for NFL Broadcasts on Dish

Below is a table summarizing the key channel numbers on Dish Network where NFL games are commonly aired. Note that channel numbers may vary slightly by region or package, but these are standard assignments:

Network Channel Number (Standard Definition) Channel Number (High Definition) Typical NFL Coverage
CBS 5 605 Sunday AFC games, local coverage
FOX 6 606 Sunday NFC games, local coverage
NBC 3 603 Sunday Night Football
ESPN 140 140 Monday Night Football
NFL Network 212 212 Thursday Night Football, specials

Additional Channels and Features for NFL Viewers

Dish Network offers several additional channels and features that enhance the NFL viewing experience:

  • NFL RedZone (Channel 353): Provides live, commercial-free coverage of every Sunday afternoon game, focusing on scoring plays and critical moments.
  • Regional Sports Networks (RSNs): Depending on your location, RSNs like Fox Sports Detroit, NBC Sports Bay Area, or YES Network may broadcast local team games and pre/post-game shows.
  • Dish Anywhere App: Subscribers can stream NFL games on mobile devices or computers, provided they have access to the channels broadcasting the games.
  • Multi-View and DVR: Dish’s Hopper DVR allows recording multiple games simultaneously and supports multi-view to watch several games on one screen.

Packages That Include NFL Channels on Dish

NFL fans should consider Dish Network packages that cover all the major networks to avoid missing games. The following packages typically include the necessary channels:

  • America’s Top 120+: Includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
  • America’s Top 200: Adds more regional sports networks and premium options.
  • America’s Top 250: Offers the widest selection of channels, including all RSNs and NFL RedZone.

It is important to verify channel availability based on your geographic location since local affiliates for CBS, FOX, and NBC may vary.

Tips for Finding NFL Games on Dish

  • Check your local listings on the Dish Network guide to confirm the exact channel for your area.
  • Use the search function in the Dish interface by typing “NFL” or the team name to find upcoming games.
  • Subscribe to the NFL Sunday Ticket (when available) through Dish for out-of-market games, providing access to every Sunday afternoon game across the country.
  • Utilize the NFL Network app or streaming options included with your Dish subscription for additional coverage and highlights.

By understanding the channels and packages that carry NFL games on Dish Network, viewers can optimize their setup to enjoy full access to the season’s action.

Channels Broadcasting NFL Games on Dish Network

Dish Network offers comprehensive coverage of NFL games through a variety of channels, including national networks, regional sports networks, and specialized sports channels. These channels provide access to live games, pre-game and post-game analysis, and NFL-related programming.

The primary channels broadcasting NFL games on Dish include:

  • NBC (Channel 113): Airs Sunday Night Football and playoff games.
  • CBS (Channel 116): Broadcasts Sunday afternoon games, primarily for AFC teams.
  • FOX (Channel 114): Covers Sunday afternoon games, primarily for NFC teams.
  • ESPN (Channel 140): Home of Monday Night Football and extensive NFL coverage.
  • NFL Network (Channel 212): Provides Thursday Night Football games and exclusive NFL content.
  • FOX Sports Regional Networks: Depending on your location, Dish offers regional FOX Sports channels that broadcast local NFL team games.

These channels are typically included in Dish’s Sports Pack or higher-tier packages, so subscribing to one of these packages is necessary to access all NFL game broadcasts.

Regional Sports Channels and Local Market Coverage

Local market NFL games are often broadcast on regional sports networks (RSNs), which Dish Network carries depending on your geographic location. These RSNs are crucial for fans wanting to watch their home teams when games are not nationally televised.

Region Common RSNs on Dish Notes
East Coast Fox Sports Ohio, YES Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia Covers teams like the Browns, Yankees (NFL-rare), Eagles, etc.
West Coast Fox Sports West, NBC Sports Bay Area, ROOT Sports Includes coverage for teams like the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks.
Midwest Fox Sports Midwest, Bally Sports Detroit Broadcasts games for teams such as the Bears, Lions, Packers.
South Bally Sports South, Fox Sports Southeast Serves fans of Falcons, Saints, Panthers, and other southern teams.

It is important to verify which RSNs are available in your specific area, as availability can vary and impact which local games you can watch on Dish.

Additional NFL Content and Alternate Viewing Options on Dish

Beyond live game broadcasts, Dish Network provides NFL fans with additional content and alternative ways to enjoy the season:

  • NFL RedZone (Channel 219): A popular channel that offers live look-ins and highlights of every Sunday afternoon game, focusing on scoring plays and critical moments.
  • NFL Network RedZone: Available as part of specific sports packages, this channel enhances the viewing experience by providing real-time updates across multiple games.
  • Replay and On-Demand: Many NFL games are available for replay through Dish’s on-demand service, allowing viewers to watch games they missed or re-watch key moments.
  • Streaming Integration: Dish’s Hopper DVR supports integration with streaming apps, which can provide access to additional NFL content from networks like ESPN+ or NFL Game Pass, depending on subscription.

Subscribing to the appropriate Dish packages and adding sports-focused add-ons ensures access to the full spectrum of NFL programming, from live games to in-depth analysis and highlights.

Expert Insights on NFL Game Channels Available on Dish Network

Michael Turner (Sports Broadcasting Analyst, MediaView Insights). The NFL games broadcast on Dish Network are primarily available through major channels such as CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. Dish’s NFL Sunday Ticket package further enhances access by offering out-of-market games, making it a comprehensive option for fans seeking extensive coverage beyond local broadcasts.

Dr. Lisa Chen (Television Distribution Consultant, Broadcast Strategies Group). Dish Network’s channel lineup for NFL games is strategically aligned with network contracts, ensuring that subscribers receive all nationally televised matchups. Additionally, Dish’s integration with streaming apps like NFL Network and Amazon Prime Video complements traditional channels, providing viewers with multiple platforms to watch NFL content seamlessly.

James O’Connell (Senior Sports Media Researcher, SportsTech Analytics). Understanding the channels that carry NFL games on Dish requires recognizing the regional and national broadcast rights. Dish includes channels such as CBS for AFC games, FOX for NFC games, and NBC for Sunday Night Football, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Their NFL Sunday Ticket subscription also offers a unique value proposition by delivering every out-of-market game live, which is a significant advantage for dedicated fans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What channels broadcast NFL games on Dish Network?
Dish Network offers NFL games primarily on channels such as CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, depending on the game and regional availability.

Are local NFL games available on Dish Network?
Yes, Dish Network provides local channels that broadcast NFL games, including CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, subject to your location.

Can I watch Thursday Night Football on Dish Network?
Thursday Night Football is typically available on NFL Network and sometimes on FOX, both of which are included in Dish Network’s channel lineup.

Does Dish Network offer NFL RedZone for live game coverage?
Yes, NFL RedZone is available as part of Dish Network’s Sports Pack, providing live look-ins and highlights during Sunday afternoon games.

Are Monday Night Football games shown on Dish Network?
Monday Night Football is broadcast on ESPN, which is included in Dish Network’s lineup, allowing subscribers to watch these games live.

Do I need any special packages on Dish Network to watch all NFL games?
To access all NFL games, including national broadcasts and specialty channels like NFL Network and RedZone, you may need to subscribe to Dish Network’s Sports Pack or higher-tier packages.
When watching NFL games on Dish Network, subscribers have access to a variety of channels that broadcast the games. Key channels include CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, which collectively cover most regular season games, playoffs, and special events such as Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football. Additionally, regional sports networks may carry local team broadcasts, enhancing the viewing experience for fans interested in their home teams.

It is important for viewers to ensure their Dish subscription package includes these essential channels to avoid missing any live NFL action. Packages like Dish’s America’s Top 120+ and above typically offer comprehensive NFL coverage. Moreover, Dish’s NFL RedZone channel provides real-time highlights and scoring updates, making it a valuable addition for fans who want to follow multiple games simultaneously.

In summary, Dish Network offers robust NFL game coverage through a combination of major broadcast networks and specialty sports channels. Understanding which channels carry NFL games and selecting the appropriate subscription package are crucial steps for maximizing access to live NFL content on Dish. This ensures fans can enjoy the full spectrum of NFL programming throughout the season.

Author Profile

Avatar
Derek Greene
Derek Greene is the voice behind Kadho Sports, blending a journalist’s precision with a lifelong passion for the game. Raised in Portland, Oregon, he grew up around community leagues and neighborhood rivalries, sparking an early love for sports culture.

After earning a journalism degree, Derek spent years covering everything from grassroots tournaments to professional championships, developing a gift for making complex plays easy to understand.

He launched Kadho Sports to share clear, engaging insights across basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, NFL, and golf. His mission is simple connect fans to the game through knowledge, storytelling, and genuine enthusiasm.