what channel are the nfl games on today

Your Ultimate Guide: Where to Watch NFL Games Today (December 27, 2025)

The NFL holiday tradition is in full swing, and fans are scrambling to answer one critical question: what channel are the NFL games on today? As Week 17 of the 2025 season unfolds, the schedule offers a rare Saturday doubleheader that has major playoff implications.

With high-stakes matchups including the Houston Texans taking on the Los Angeles Chargers and the Green Bay Packers clashing with the Baltimore Ravens, finding the right broadcast information is essential. This guide cuts through the noise, providing a verified schedule, streaming options, and essential viewing information for Saturday’s gridiron action.

Saturday Gridiron Action: A Rare Holiday Treat

For NFL fans, the post-Christmas schedule is a highlight of the year. The league traditionally schedules marquee matchups on Saturdays in late December, offering a distinct viewing rhythm compared to the standard Sunday slate. This year is no different, presenting a doubleheader that could determine the final seeds in the AFC and NFC.

The significance of these games cannot be overstated. As noted by Yahoo Sports in their report on NFL Week 17 Saturday games, these matchups often serve as "de facto playoff games" for teams on the bubble. With the calendar turning to the final week of the regular season, every yard gained and every defensive stop matters significantly for playoff seeding and Wild Card survival.

The Saturday Schedule: Matchups and Broadcast Details

If you are looking specifically for what channel the NFL games are on today, here is the breakdown for Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers

This matchup pits two AFC contenders against each other, likely fighting for Wild Card positioning or divisional supremacy.

• Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET
• TV Channel: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock, NFL+, FuboTV, YouTube TV

According to a detailed report by Decider, this game is part of the Peacock/NFL holiday programming push. The article "Where to watch today's NFL Games: schedule, channel, Texans vs. Chargers and Packers/Ravens streaming info" confirms that fans can stream the game live via Peacock, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. This is a crucial option for fans who have cut the cord but don't want to miss a snap of this AFC showdown.

Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens

A potential clash of titans featuring two of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks. This game is scheduled for the evening slot, serving as the nightcap for Saturday football.

• Kickoff Time: 5:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET
• TV Channel: NFL Network
• Streaming: NFL+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV

IndyStar highlights in their coverage of the Week 17 Saturday games that the NFL Network is the exclusive broadcast home for this primetime matchup. This means you won't find this game on your local CBS or FOX affiliate. As IndyStar notes in their guide on "how to watch every NFL game," accessing the NFL Network often requires a cable subscription or a streaming service package that includes sports tiers.

Understanding the Modern NFL Broadcasting Landscape

The question of "what channel is the game on" has become increasingly complex in recent years. The NFL has aggressively expanded its broadcasting partnerships, moving games to streaming-exclusive platforms to reach a wider digital audience. This shift is a major part of the league's "NFL+ strategy" to engage younger demographics.

The Rise of Streaming

Gone are the days when all you needed was an antenna or basic cable. As verified by the Decider report, streaming services like Peacock are now integral to the NFL viewing experience. This has led to a fragmentation of the rights landscape: * Sunday Afternoon Games: Primarily on CBS and FOX. * Sunday Night Football: NBC. * Monday Night Football: ESPN/ABC. * Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime Video. * Saturday Night Football: NFL Network and select exclusive streaming deals.

This fragmentation means that "superfans" often need subscriptions to multiple services to catch every game of their favorite team. However, for the casual viewer, understanding the specific channel for the day’s marquee games—like those listed in the IndyStar schedule—is the key to hassle-free viewing.

Playoff Implications and Historical Context

The timing of these Saturday games is deliberate. Historically, Week 17 is when playoff brackets begin to solidify. In the context of the 2025 season, these games likely serve as elimination matches.

• The Texans and Chargers are fighting for relevance in a highly competitive AFC.
• The Packers and Ravens are looking to secure home-field advantage or a first-round bye.

The pressure of Saturday football often produces memorable moments. The NFL’s scheduling committee ensures that these games feature teams with the highest stakes, maximizing viewership and engagement.

Immediate Effects: The Viewer's Dilemma

The immediate impact of this schedule configuration is a scramble for access. Fans searching for "what channel are the NFL games on today" are often looking for quick, reliable answers to set up their viewing parties.

The exclusive nature of the NFL Network broadcast for the Packers/Ravens game specifically limits accessibility for some viewers who rely solely on over-the-air antennas. This drives traffic toward streaming services, a trend the NFL is keen to accelerate.

Furthermore, the social aspect of watching these games is significant. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the Saturday slate creates a "festival of football" atmosphere where fans can watch one game in the afternoon and another in the evening without the overlap of the massive Sunday slate.

Future Outlook: Where NFL Viewing is Headed

Looking ahead from Week 17 of the 2025 season, the trend is clear: the NFL is moving toward a hybrid model of linear television and digital streaming.

The Evolution of "Appointment Viewing"

As we move into the playoffs, expect more exclusive streaming deals. The success of the Peacock exclusive game mentioned in the Decider article sets a precedent. If ratings hold up, the NFL may grant more "exclusive" windows to streaming partners in future seasons.

For the consumer, this means: 1. Flexibility: You can watch from anywhere on your phone or tablet. 2. Cost: The "hidden cost" of fandom may increase as subscriptions pile up. 3. Ease of Access: Aggregators like NFL+ and YouTube TV are attempting to centralize the chaos, offering packages that combine multiple broadcast sources.

Strategic Implications for the League

The NFL remains the most valuable property in American media. By diversifying where its content lives, the league protects itself against the decline of traditional cable. It also gathers valuable data on viewer habits.

For now, however, the basics remain the same. If you are asking what channel the NFL games are on today, the answer lies in the specific kickoff window:

• Afternoon: Check your local NBC affiliate or Peacock app.
• Night: Tune into the NFL Network or your streaming equivalent.

Conclusion: Get Ready for Kickoff

As the 2025 NFL season winds down, the Saturday doubleheader offers a perfect appetizer for the postseason. Whether you are rooting for the Texans, Chargers, Packers, or Ravens, or simply love the game of football, this weekend provides high-quality entertainment.

By utilizing the verified schedules from sources like Decider, Yahoo Sports, and IndyStar, you can ensure you don't miss a moment of the action. Check your local listings, log into your streaming accounts, and settle in for a day of high-stakes football.

Disclaimer: Broadcast schedules are subject to change based on league flex scheduling and local market restrictions. Always verify your local listings for the most accurate start times and channel assignments.