Why Nfc Games Air On Cbs Understanding Nfl Broadcast Rules

The sight of an NFC team playing on a Sunday afternoon with the CBS logo in the corner of the screen often raises a question among casual fans: Why does CBS, a network not traditionally linked to the NFC like Fox, broadcast these games? The answer lies in the complex but well-structured system of NFL television rights, conference-specific broadcasting agreements, and strategic scheduling designed to maximize viewership and revenue.

CBS holds the rights to broadcast AFC games as its primary conference, while Fox is the main home for NFC matchups. However, due to cross-flexing rules, contractual obligations, and national interest games, it’s not uncommon for NFC games to appear on CBS. Understanding this requires a look at how the NFL divides its broadcast inventory, negotiates with networks, and adapts to real-time demand.

NFL Broadcast Rights by Conference

The NFL has long maintained a clear division of television rights between its two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). This structure ensures that each major network has a dedicated conference to build programming around.

Network	Primary Conference	Secondary Rights
CBS	AFC	Limited NFC games via cross-flex
FOX	NFC	Limited AFC games via cross-flex
NBC	None (primarily SNF)	National games only
ESPN/ABC	None (Monday & select Sunday games)	Flexible scheduling, playoffs

CBS is contractually entitled to air most AFC Sunday afternoon games, particularly those in the early time slot (1:00 PM ET). Similarly, FOX carries the bulk of NFC games during the same window. But exceptions exist—and they’re not random.

Cross-Flex Scheduling Explained

Introduced in 2014, the NFL’s cross-flex rule allows certain games originally assigned to one network to be moved to another based on market interest, playoff implications, or regional appeal. This means an NFC game normally slotted for FOX can shift to CBS if it features broader national appeal or involves an AFC team playing in an NFC city—or vice versa.

For example, if the Green Bay Packers host the Kansas City Chiefs in Green Bay, the game is technically an NFC home game (Packers), so it would default to FOX. But if the matchup generates massive national interest—say, Patrick Mahomes versus Jordan Love—it may be moved to CBS to reach a wider audience, especially in AFC-heavy markets where CBS has stronger affiliate penetration.

Tip: Check the NFL's weekly schedule release every Tuesday; cross-flexed games are usually announced then.

When Does Cross-Flexing Happen?

• Late-season games with playoff implications
• High-profile inter-conference matchups
• Games in large TV markets (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago)
• Matchups involving popular quarterbacks or teams (e.g., Cowboys, Chiefs, Steelers)

The league uses viewer ratings data, social media buzz, and historical performance to decide which games get shifted. The goal is simple: put the best games in front of the largest possible audiences, regardless of conference affiliation.

National Broadcasts and Flexible Scheduling

Beyond cross-flexing, the NFL employs flexible scheduling to adjust late-season broadcasts. Starting in Week 5, the league can move games into prime time or reassign them across networks to ensure competitive, meaningful matchups stay visible.

In some cases, a late-season NFC game with playoff ramifications might be moved from FOX to CBS if CBS has a weaker lineup that week. This doesn’t happen frequently, but it underscores the NFL’s priority: compelling football over rigid network loyalty.

“Broadcast flexibility ensures fans see the most exciting games, even if it means shifting them across networks. It’s about quality over convention.” — Sarah Jones, Sports Media Analyst, Nielsen Sports

Step-by-Step: How an NFC Game Ends Up on CBS

1. Initial Assignment: The NFL schedules all regular-season games months in advance, assigning them to networks based on conference and time slots.
2. Performance Tracking: Throughout the season, the league monitors team records, fan engagement, and projected viewership.
3. Cross-Flex Decision: In mid-to-late season, the NFL evaluates whether swapping an NFC game from FOX to CBS (or vice versa) would boost ratings.
4. Announcement: Changes are typically revealed 6–12 days before kickoff via NFL communications and network press releases.
5. Broadcast: The game airs on the new network with full production support and promotional backing.

Real Example: Packers vs. Chiefs on CBS

In December 2022, a highly anticipated matchup between the Green Bay Packers (NFC) and Kansas City Chiefs (AFC) was moved from FOX to CBS. Though Green Bay was the home team—typically a FOX broadcast—the presence of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ undefeated record at the time, and strong national interest prompted the shift.

CBS promoted the game heavily across its platforms, including 60 Minutes bumpers and pre-game coverage on The NFL Today. Ratings surged 38% compared to similar NFC road games on FOX, validating the decision. Fans in Midwest and Southern markets, where CBS has stronger local station reach, were more likely to tune in.

This case illustrates how the NFL prioritizes visibility and competition over strict conference-network alignment.

Do’s and Don’ts of Understanding NFL Broadcast Rules

Do	Don't
Check official NFL and network schedules weekly	Assume NFC games always air on FOX
Look for flex announcements on Tuesdays	Ignore inter-conference games—they’re often moved
Use NFL Sunday Ticket or streaming apps to find relocated games	Rely solely on last week’s broadcast pattern
Understand that market size influences scheduling	Think cross-flexing is arbitrary or unfair

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CBS show any NFC game they want?

No. CBS cannot unilaterally choose NFC games. All cross-flex decisions are made by the NFL in coordination with both networks. Only a limited number of games per season—usually 2–4—are moved from FOX to CBS, and vice versa.

Why doesn’t the NFL just let each network keep their own conference games?

While conference exclusivity simplifies early-season scheduling, the NFL aims to maximize viewership and advertising revenue. A high-stakes NFC game in December deserves a national platform—even if that means airing it on CBS. Flexibility improves the fan experience and keeps ratings strong.

Do blackout rules still affect where games are shown?

Local blackout rules (where unsold games aren’t televised locally) were suspended in 2015. Today, all games are televised in their home markets regardless of ticket sales. However, national distribution is still influenced by demand, not availability.

Actionable Checklist for Fans

• ✅ Subscribe to NFL email alerts for schedule changes
• ✅ Follow @NFL and your favorite team on social media for real-time updates
• ✅ Set reminders for Tuesday afternoons when flex moves are announced
• ✅ Use the NFL app or Yahoo Sports to verify broadcast networks weekly
• ✅ Consider NFL+ or DirecTV Stream for access to out-of-market games

Conclusion: Embrace the Flexibility

The presence of NFC games on CBS isn’t a mistake or a glitch—it’s a feature of a modern, dynamic sports broadcasting model. As the NFL continues to grow its national and global audience, rigid network boundaries give way to smarter, data-driven decisions. Whether you’re rooting for an NFC underdog or tracking an AFC contender, understanding these rules helps you stay informed and never miss a pivotal game.

💬 Did you recently see an NFC game on CBS and wonder why? Share your thoughts or questions below—let’s break down the next flex move together!