What was the Sunday Night Football schedule for 2018
The 2018 Sunday Night Football season ran from September 9, 2018, through December 30, 2018, airing on NBC and NBCUniversal platforms. This overview lists the full slate of matchups, dates, and local kickoff times, useful for viewers who want to reference historical scheduling or plan viewing using consistent patterns for future seasons. Note that exact local start times can vary by market due to simultaneous substitutions and regional windows, so consult your local affiliate or the network directly for precise air times in your area.
2018 season basics and broadcast coverage
In 2018, Sunday Night Football continued as NBC’s marquee weekly NFL offering, with each week featuring a nationally televised game typically scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET (subject to change). The season included 17 regular-season weeks plus potential late-season adjustments for weather or flex scheduling. As a perennial leader in NFL viewership, Sunday Night Football maintained its reputation for high-profile matchups and top broadcast talent, establishing a reliable weekly rhythm for fans.
Notable season highlights
- Opener: New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans (Week 1, September 9)
- Key divisional and rivalry games throughout the season
- Flexible scheduling adjustments in later weeks where matchups were swapped to maximize competitive stakes
2018 schedule at a glance
The table below summarizes the 2018 Sunday Night Football season by week, matchup, date, and approximate network-level timing conventions. Exact local times may vary by market, so use this as a reference for historical context or planning patterns rather than precise local air times.
| Week | Matchup (away at home) | Date | Typical network time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saints at Texans | September 9, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 2 | Browns at Steelers | September 16, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 3 | Chargers at Ravens | September 23, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 4 | Chiefs at Seahawks | September 30, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 5 | 49ers at Rams | October 7, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 6 | Steelers at Dolphins | October 14, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 7 | Raiders at Packers | October 21, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 8 | Cowboys at Giants | October 28, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 9 | Seahawks at 49ers | November 4, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 10 | Patriots at Jets | November 11, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 11 | Eagles at Cowboys | 8:20 p.m. | |
| 12 | Bills at Jets | November 25, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 13 | Vikings at Lions | December 2, 2SNIGHT | 8:20 p.m. |
| 14 | Bengals at Ravens | December 9, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 15 | 49ers at Seahawks | December 16, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. | 16 | Ravens at Steelers | December 23, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
| 17 | Giants at Redskins | December 30, 2018 | 8:20 p.m. |
How local times and market rules affect viewing
While NBC generally sets a national window of 8:20 p.m. ET, local affiliates may adjust start times slightly for tape delays, especially in the Central and Mountain time zones. Additionally, NFL policies on simultaneous substitutions mean that in some regions, a different game may air if it’s of greater local interest. Check your station’s listing in the weeks leading up to each game for the most accurate local time.
Access and streaming options for 2018 replays
Although 2018 games are no longer live, full episodes and highlights remain accessible through league-approved services. Viewers can watch past games via NFL+ on supported devices, or through official network apps and cable provider apps where available. Local affiliates may also offer limited on-demand content, so availability can vary by provider and market.
Key talking points for future seasons
For viewers comparing schedules across years, the Sunday Night Football framework is generally stable: 17 regular-season weeks, a consistent start time on NBC, and a predictable fall-through-winter cadence. Variations arise from flex scheduling, network decisions, and special circumstances such as national emergencies or broadcast transitions. Understanding these patterns helps you anticipate when future weekly games are likely to appear on your local schedule.
FAQ
Reader questions
What time did Sunday Night Football usually start in 2018?
The predominant start time was 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, though local markets may have shifted tapes slightly. Always confirm locally where available.
Was the 2018 schedule consistent week-to-week?
Yes, with the exception of flexed games in later weeks, the season followed a steady weekly rhythm on Sundays, with only occasional adjustments due to weather or other broadcast considerations.
How can I verify the exact local air time for a past 2018 game?
Check local station archives, your cable or satellite guide history, or network press releases for the most accurate historical times in your market.
Does the Sunday Night Football package include playoffs?
No. Sunday Night Football covers the regular season. Postseason games air on rotating networks under the NFL on ABC/ESPN or NBC/Peacock arrangements, depending on the round and year.
What if I missed a 2018 Sunday night game?
Full games and highlights are typically available through NFL streaming services, network on-demand apps, and select cable provider platforms for a limited window after airing. Use this reference to understand how the 2018 Sunday Night Football schedule was structured and how similar seasons are likely to be organized moving forward.