NFL Week 11 Coverage Map: Why You Might Miss the Biggest Games

NFL Week 11 Coverage Map: Why You Might Miss the Biggest Games

You’re sitting on the couch, wings ready, remote in hand, and you realize the game everyone’s talking about isn't on your TV. It’s the classic Sunday morning panic. NFL Week 11 coverage map details are basically the holy grail for fans trying to figure out if they’re stuck with a local blowout or the heavyweight fight of the week. Honestly, the 2025 season has been a whirlwind, and Week 11 is where the playoff picture starts to get really messy.

If you aren't paying attention to the broadcast maps, you're going to get burned. This week is unique because we’ve got a massive international game in Madrid, a heavy-hitting CBS doubleheader, and FOX handling a single-game slate that’s spread thin across the country.

The CBS Doubleheader: Chiefs vs. Broncos Takes Over

CBS has the "doubleheader" rights this week, which means they get to air games in both the early and late afternoon windows. Most of the country is going to see the Kansas City Chiefs face the Denver Broncos at 4:25 p.m. ET. This is the "A-game." Jim Nantz and Tony Romo are on the call.

Because Denver has been surprisingly dominant at 8-2, this isn't just another Patrick Mahomes showcase; it’s a battle for the AFC West. If you live anywhere outside of the Baltimore or Cleveland markets, you are almost certainly getting this game in the late window.

CBS Early Window (1:00 p.m. ET)

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills: This is the primary game for about 77% of the US. Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt (who is really finding his groove in the booth) will be calling this cross-conference shootout.
  • Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers: This stays regional. If you’re in the Ohio Valley or parts of Pennsylvania, Kevin Harlan is your guy.
  • Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars: Mostly restricted to Southern California and Florida markets.

FOX’s Single Game Strategy: Tom Brady in Minnesota

FOX only gets one game per market this week. They have to decide whether to give you an early game or a late game, but not both. They are leaning heavily into the Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings matchup. Why? Because it’s Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady.

✨ Don't miss: Bijan Robinson Rookie Card: Why Collectors Are Still Betting Big on the Falcons Star

Brady’s presence alone moves the needle for FOX’s coverage maps. Even though it's a divisional game, the network is pushing the "Brady Effect" to as many markets as possible. If you aren't in a city with a direct local interest (like Seattle or San Francisco), you’re probably seeing the Bears and Vikings at 1 p.m. ET.

The Late FOX Window (4:05 p.m. ET)

  • Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams: This is a massive NFC West tiebreaker. Joe Davis and Greg Olsen are handling this one. It’s mostly going to the West Coast and Pacific Northwest.
  • San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals: Another divisional scrap, but it’s mostly tucked away for Bay Area and Arizona viewers.

The Madrid Factor and Primetime Locks

Let’s talk about the weird start time. The Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins are playing in Madrid, Spain. This kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network. Unless you’re in DC or Miami—where it will be simulcast on local CBS stations—you’ll need cable or a subscription to see it.

Sunday Night Football on NBC features the Detroit Lions at the Philadelphia Eagles. This is a potential NFC Championship preview. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth have the honors. Then, Monday Night concludes with the Dallas Cowboys visiting the Las Vegas Raiders on ESPN/ABC. It’s a bit of a "name brand" game even if both teams are struggling to stay relevant in the standings.

📖 Related: How to Listen to Miami Dolphins Football Game Broadcasts Without the Headache

How to Make Sure You Actually See the Game

Kinda sucks when the map doesn't go your way. If you’re a Bengals fan living in Florida, the nfl week 11 coverage map is your worst enemy this Sunday because you're getting the Bucs and Bills.

  1. Check 506 Sports: They are the gold standard for these maps. They update late on Wednesday or Thursday once the NFL and networks finalize "protected" games.
  2. Look for "Cross-Flexing": The NFL moves games between CBS and FOX to balance out the viewership. This is why you’ll sometimes see two AFC teams on FOX or two NFC teams on CBS.
  3. Local Affiliates Matter: Just because a game is "national" doesn't mean your local station won't opt for a regional interest. Always check the specific listings for your zip code.

The most important thing to remember is that the "Late Window" on CBS is the big one. With the Broncos looking like legitimate contenders against the Chiefs, the league wants those eyeballs. If the map looks blue or green in your area and you wanted red, you might be heading to a sports bar.

Actionable Next Steps

To stay ahead of the broadcast shifts, download the NFL app and set your "Favorite Team." It will send a push notification about 24 hours before kickoff telling you exactly which local channel is carrying your game. If you're out of market, this is the week to finally look into a Sunday Ticket trial or a localized streaming service, especially with the playoff race tightening up.