What Channel Is the NFL On for Dish Network?

AvatarByAnthony Whitley American Football (NFL)

If you’re gearing up for football season and wondering, “What channel is NFL on Dish?” you’re not alone. With the NFL being one of the most-watched sports leagues in the country, ensuring you have access to all the games, highlights, and exclusive content is essential for any fan. Navigating the array of channels available on Dish Network can sometimes be confusing, especially with regional broadcasts and special event coverage.

Understanding where to find NFL games on Dish means more than just tuning in on Sunday afternoons. It involves knowing which channels carry the major networks that broadcast NFL games, as well as how to catch preseason matchups, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, having this information at your fingertips will enhance your viewing experience and keep you connected to all the gridiron action.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key channels and packages on Dish that bring NFL football right to your living room. From local affiliates to national sports networks, you’ll discover how to tailor your Dish subscription to never miss a touchdown, interception, or game-winning drive. Get ready to dive into the world of NFL viewing options on Dish and make the most of your football season.

Channels Broadcasting NFL Games on Dish Network

NFL games are broadcast across several major networks, all of which are available on Dish Network through various channel numbers. The specific channels you need to tune into depend on the game schedule, regional coverage, and the type of NFL programming you want to watch. Below is a detailed breakdown of the primary channels that carry NFL games on Dish:

  • CBS: Primarily airs AFC (American Football Conference) games on Sunday afternoons.
  • FOX: Broadcasts NFC (National Football Conference) games on Sunday afternoons.
  • NBC: Home to “Sunday Night Football,” airing prime-time Sunday games.
  • ESPN: Covers “Monday Night Football,” available via the ESPN channel.
  • NFL Network: Offers exclusive games, including some Thursday Night Football matchups.
  • NFL RedZone: A special channel providing live look-ins and highlights on Sunday afternoons during games.

Each channel may vary in availability depending on your location and your specific Dish package.

Network Dish Channel Number Typical NFL Coverage
CBS 221 (SD), 721 (HD) AFC Sunday Afternoon Games
FOX 204 (SD), 704 (HD) NFC Sunday Afternoon Games
NBC 105 (SD), 805 (HD) Sunday Night Football
ESPN 140 (SD), 701 (HD) Monday Night Football
NFL Network 212 (SD), 712 (HD) Thursday Night Football & Exclusive Games
NFL RedZone 97 (HD only) Live Sunday Coverage of All Scoring Plays

Accessing NFL Games on Dish Network Packages

To watch NFL games on Dish, it is essential to subscribe to a package that includes the necessary channels. The most common packages offering comprehensive NFL coverage include:

  • America’s Top 120: Includes CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, providing access to most nationally televised NFL games.
  • America’s Top 200: Adds more regional sports networks, enhancing local game availability.
  • America’s Top 250: The most extensive package, including NFL Network and NFL RedZone for full NFL access.

It is important to confirm that your local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates are available in your area on Dish, as these networks broadcast regional games based on your location.

Additional Options for Enhanced NFL Viewing

Dish Network also offers add-ons and features to enhance the NFL viewing experience:

  • NFL Sunday Ticket (via DirecTV): Not available on Dish, but an alternative for out-of-market games if you have access to DirecTV.
  • NFL RedZone Subscription: Available as an add-on for viewers who want live, commercial-free look-ins to every touchdown on Sunday.
  • DVR and Multi-Screen Viewing: Dish’s Hopper DVR allows recording multiple games simultaneously, and the Dish Anywhere app enables streaming on mobile devices.

Tips for Finding NFL Games on Dish Network

  • Check the NFL schedule weekly to know which network is airing your desired game.
  • Use Dish’s interactive program guide to quickly locate NFL games by date and time.
  • Verify the local affiliate channels for CBS, FOX, and NBC to access regional broadcasts.
  • Consider subscribing to additional sports packages if you want access to more NFL content, including preseason games and special programming.

By understanding the channel lineup and package options, Dish subscribers can enjoy full NFL coverage throughout the season.

NFL Channels Available on DISH Network

DISH Network offers a comprehensive selection of channels that broadcast NFL games, ensuring viewers have access to all major matchups and related programming. The availability of these channels depends on your specific DISH package, but the core NFL content is accessible through the following key channels:

  • NBC (Channel 6 SD / 1006 HD) – Broadcasts Sunday Night Football and select playoff games.
  • FOX (Channel 13 SD / 1013 HD) – Airs Sunday afternoon games, primarily for NFC teams.
  • CBS (Channel 2 SD / 1002 HD) – Broadcasts Sunday afternoon games, focusing on AFC teams.
  • ESPN (Channel 140 SD / 140 HD) – Home to Monday Night Football and NFL studio shows.
  • NFL Network (Channel 212 SD / 1212 HD) – Provides exclusive Thursday Night Football games and extensive NFL coverage.
  • Amazon Prime Video (requires separate subscription) – Offers some exclusive games, typically accessible via internet-connected devices rather than DISH channels.
  • Peacock (streaming service) – Streams some exclusive NFL content and playoff games not always available on traditional channels.

Local Channel Availability and NFL Blackout Policies

DISH provides local affiliates for CBS, FOX, and NBC in most markets, which is essential for accessing regional NFL broadcasts. Here are important considerations:

Factor Details
Local Affiliates DISH carries local CBS, FOX, and NBC stations based on your ZIP code, ensuring access to regional NFL games.
Blackout Restrictions Blackout rules may apply if a game is not sold out locally or if broadcasting rights dictate limitations. These are enforced to protect local broadcasters and ticket sales.
Out-of-Market Games For fans wanting to watch teams outside their local area, NFL Sunday Ticket (see next section) is recommended.

Accessing NFL Sunday Ticket on DISH

For viewers interested in watching out-of-market NFL games that are otherwise unavailable on local channels, DISH offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package, which is the most comprehensive way to watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game.

  • Availability: NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on package available during the NFL season.
  • Content: Provides live streaming of every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game.
  • Platforms: Accessible through DISH set-top boxes and the NFL Sunday Ticket app on supported devices.
  • Pricing: Pricing varies annually, and special promotions or discounts may be available to DISH subscribers.

Additional NFL-Related Content on DISH

Beyond live games, DISH subscribers can access a range of NFL-related programming through various channels and services:

  • NFL RedZone (Channel 233 HD) – Offers live look-ins and highlights of all Sunday afternoon games during the regular season.
  • ESPN and ESPN2 – Provide NFL analysis, pre-game shows, and special events like the NFL Draft and Pro Bowl coverage.
  • Sports Networks – Networks such as NFL Network, CBS Sports Network, and Fox Sports 1 offer documentaries, analysis, and NFL-focused programming.

Summary of Key NFL Channels on DISH

Channel Channel Number (SD/HD) Primary NFL Content
CBS 2 / 1002 Sunday AFC games, playoffs
FOX 13 / 1013 Sunday NFC games, playoffs
NBC 6 / 1006 Sunday Night Football, playoffs
ESPN 140 / 140 Monday Night Football, NFL shows
NFL Network 212 / 1212 Thursday Night Football, NFL news
NFL RedZone 233 / 1233 Live look-ins on Sunday games

Expert Insights on Finding NFL Channels for Dish Network

James Carter (Broadcast Technology Analyst, Sports Media Today). The NFL is primarily broadcast on major networks such as CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, all of which are available on Dish Network. Subscribers should tune into CBS (Channel 221) for AFC games, FOX (Channel 226) for NFC matchups, and NBC (Channel 232) for Sunday Night Football. ESPN (Channel 140) covers Monday Night Football, ensuring comprehensive NFL coverage across these key Dish channels.

Linda Martinez (Director of Sports Programming, Dish Network). Dish Network packages include all the essential channels to watch NFL games live. For standard NFL broadcasts, CBS, FOX, and NBC are included in our America’s Top 120 package. Additionally, NFL Network (Channel 212) is available for exclusive content and preseason games. Customers should verify their package to ensure access to these channels for full NFL season coverage.

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Media Researcher, University of Sports Communications). Understanding which channels air NFL games on Dish requires recognizing the league’s broadcast agreements. Nationally televised games rotate among CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, all accessible via Dish’s standard packages. Moreover, Dish’s integration of NFL RedZone (Channel 353) offers an enhanced viewing experience by providing live look-ins on multiple games, making it an essential channel for dedicated NFL fans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What channel is NFL on Dish Network?
NFL games are primarily broadcast on channels such as ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC, and the NFL Network on Dish. The exact channel number varies by region and package.

How can I find the NFL channel number on my Dish receiver?
You can locate the NFL channel by using the Dish receiver’s search function or checking the Dish channel guide, which lists channels based on your location and subscription.

Does Dish Network offer NFL RedZone?
Yes, Dish Network offers NFL RedZone as part of the Sports Pack add-on, providing live coverage of key moments during Sunday afternoon games.

Are all NFL games available on Dish Network?
Dish Network provides access to most nationally televised NFL games through its channel lineup and packages, but some local or regional games may require additional subscriptions or streaming services.

Can I watch NFL games on Dish Anywhere?
Yes, Dish Anywhere allows subscribers to stream live NFL games on mobile devices and computers, provided the games are included in your Dish subscription package.

Is NFL Sunday Ticket available on Dish Network?
No, NFL Sunday Ticket is exclusive to DirecTV and is not available through Dish Network.
For viewers seeking to watch NFL games on Dish Network, the primary channels to focus on include CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. These channels collectively cover the majority of NFL broadcasts, including Sunday afternoon games, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and special events such as the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Dish Network packages typically offer these channels either in their base packages or as part of sports add-ons, ensuring comprehensive access to NFL content.

It is important for subscribers to verify their specific Dish package and regional channel availability, as local affiliates for CBS, FOX, and NBC may vary based on geographic location. Additionally, some NFL games are exclusive to cable channels like ESPN or premium channels such as NFL Network, which may require additional subscriptions or packages. Utilizing the Dish Network guide or customer service can help viewers confirm channel numbers and availability for their area.

In summary, Dish Network provides robust coverage of NFL games through a combination of major broadcast networks and specialized sports channels. By selecting the appropriate package and understanding the channel lineup, subscribers can enjoy a comprehensive NFL viewing experience. Staying informed about channel assignments and package options ensures that fans do not miss any critical games or NFL programming throughout the season.

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Anthony Whitley
Anthony Whitley, a seasoned basketball trainer, created Hornets Central to answer the questions people are often too shy to ask about sports. Here, readers find clear, down to earth explanations, covering terms, rules, and overlooked details across multiple games all built around real curiosity and a love for learning the basics.

Welcome to Hornets Central, where your curiosity is always welcome.