When does NFL season start 2021? Date American football campaign starts, Week 1 fixtures and UK kick off times

Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Pic: Getty)Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Pic: Getty)
Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Pic: Getty)

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Super Bowl LV champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin their 2021 regular season against Dallas Cowboys

NFL is back for the 2021/22 season.

After the summer break from competitive action, American football's elite are set to take to the field once more for the upcoming campaign.

Super Bowl LV winners Tampa Bay Buccaneers - led by the quarterback great Tom Brady - will get the season underway this week.

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The Bucs will begin their defence of the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 of the NFL 2021 regular football season.

Here's all you need to know about the NFL 2021/22 schedule - from when the season starts, all 18 game weeks and post season dates.

When does NFL season start 2021?

In 2021, the NFL season starts with Dallas Cowboys at Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The game kicks off in the early hours of Friday 10 September for UK fans, who will have to set their alarms for the 1:20am start.

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A further 15 games will take place over the opening weekend of NFL action, which recommences on Sunday 12 September and Monday 13 September.

NFL fixtures - Week 1

Friday 10 September

  • 01:20 - Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sunday 12 September

  • 18:00 - Los Angeles Chargers @ Washington Football Team
  • 18:00 - Seattle Seahawks @ Indianapolis Colts
  • 18:00 - Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons
  • 18:00 - New York Jets @ Carolina Panthers
  • 18:00 - Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
  • 18:00 - San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions
  • 18:00 - Arizona Cardinals @ Tennessee Titans
  • 18:00 - Minnesota Vikings @ Cincinnati Bengals
  • 18:00 - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills
  • 21:25 - Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
  • 21:25 - Green Bay Packers @ New Orleans Saints
  • 21:25 - Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs
  • 21:25 - Denver Broncos @ New York Giants

Monday 13 September

  • 01:20 - Chicago Bears @ Los Angeles Rams
  • 01:15 - Baltimore Ravens @ Las Vegas Raiders

NFL schedule

Regular season

  • Week 1 - 10-14 September
  • Week 2 - 17-21 September
  • Week 3 - 24-28 September
  • Week 4 - 1-5 October
  • Week 5 - 8-12 October
  • Week 6 - 15-19 October
  • Week 7 - 22-26 October
  • Week 8 - 29 October-2 November
  • Week 9 - 5-9 November
  • Week 10 - 12-22 November
  • Week 11 - 19-23 November
  • Week 12 - 25-30 November
  • Week 13 - 3-7 December
  • Week 14 - 10-14 December
  • Week 15 - 17-20 December
  • Week 16 - 24-28 December
  • Week 17 - 3-5 January
  • Week 18 - 10 January

Post season

  • From 15 January-13 February. Super Bowl scheduled for Sunday 13 February 2022.

How to watch NFL on TV in UK

Friday 10 September

  • 01:20 - Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sky Sports Main Event

Sunday 12 September

  • 18:00 - Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills - Sky Sports NFL
  • 21:25 - Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs - Sky Sports NFL

Monday 13 September

  • 01:20 - Chicago Bears @ Los Angeles Rams - Sky Sports NFL
  • 01:15 - Baltimore Ravens @ Las Vegas Raiders - Sky Sports NFL

Sky customers can sign up for Sky Sports NFL as part of the complete Sky Sports package for an extra £25 a month.

Interested in getting Sky Sports NFL? Packages start from £41 a month for Sky TV and Sky Sports packages.

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