So you’re ready to watch the Bolts, but the NFL broadcast schedule feels like it was designed by a cryptographer. Honestly, I’ve been there—scrolling through five different apps while the kickoff clock ticks down. If you’re asking what channel is the chargers playing on, the answer depends entirely on whether it’s a standard Sunday afternoon, a primetime showcase, or a postseason battle.
Right now, we are sitting in the heart of the 2026 NFL postseason cycle. The Los Angeles Chargers recently wrapped up their Wild Card matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 11, 2026. That specific game was a national broadcast on NBC, with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth on the call. But if you're looking for the next time Justin Herbert and company take the field, you have to look toward the 2026 regular season, as the Chargers' playoff run unfortunately ended in Foxborough with a 16-3 loss.
Where to Find the Chargers Throughout the Year
Most of the time, your search for the game starts with CBS. Because the Chargers are in the AFC, CBS owns the primary broadcast rights for the majority of their Sunday afternoon games. If it’s a 1:05 PM or 4:05 PM ET kickoff and they aren't playing an NFC team on the road, 90% of the time, you’ll find them there.
But it’s not always that simple. The NFL loves to "cross-flex" games now. This basically means a game that should be on CBS might end up on FOX to balance out the viewership numbers. It’s annoying, I know.
Primetime and Special Broadcasts
When the Chargers move into the spotlight, the channel flipping gets real:
- Monday Night Football: These air on ESPN, and sometimes they simulcast on ABC.
- Sunday Night Football: This is strictly NBC (and Peacock).
- Thursday Night Football: You won't find this on traditional cable; you need Amazon Prime Video.
- International Games: Remember the Brazil game? Those often end up on NFL Network or exclusive streaming partners like Peacock or YouTube.
Streaming Options: If You Don't Have Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, "what channel is the chargers playing on" usually translates to "what app do I need to download?"
For local fans living in the Los Angeles market, you can actually use the NFL+ app to stream games on your phone or tablet. It’s relatively cheap, but the catch is you can't officially cast it to your TV. For the "big screen" experience without cable, most people lean toward YouTube TV, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV. All of these carry CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN.
If you live outside of LA—say, you're a Chargers fan in Chicago or New York—your only legitimate way to see every single Sunday afternoon game is NFL Sunday Ticket, which is now exclusively on YouTube TV. It’s an investment, but it beats going to a loud sports bar every week just to see the Bolts.
💡 You might also like: The 2009 Stanley Cup Final: Why That Game 7 Still Keeps Detroit Fans Up at Night
The 2026 Opponents List
Since the 2025-2026 season has concluded for Los Angeles, we already know who they are playing in the 2026 season, even if the exact dates aren't out yet (the NFL usually drops the full schedule in mid-May).
You’ll be looking for these matchups on your local listings:
- Home Games at SoFi: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Houston Texans.
- Away Games: Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, and the usual AFC West suspects.
Expect the 49ers and Ravens games to be high candidates for NBC or ESPN primetime slots.
Dealing with Blackouts and Coverage Maps
One thing that trips people up is the "regional coverage" rule. Just because the game is "on CBS" doesn't mean your local CBS station is airing it. If the Raiders are playing at the same time and you live in a certain part of the country, the network might prioritize that game instead.
I always recommend checking 506 Sports on Wednesday or Thursday before a game. They release color-coded maps that show exactly which parts of the country get the Chargers game. It's a lifesaver for avoiding that "Why is the Titans game on my TV?" frustration.
Quick Summary for the Next Season
- Local TV (LA): CBS (KCBS-TV), FOX (KTTV), NBC (KNBC).
- National Streaming: Amazon Prime (Thursdays), Peacock (Select Sundays).
- Out-of-Market: YouTube TV (Sunday Ticket).
Keep an eye on the official schedule release in May 2026. That’s when we’ll know exactly which "channel" becomes your Sunday sanctuary. Until then, make sure your subscriptions are sorted so you aren't stuck staring at a loading screen during the opening kickoff.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the 2026 Opponent List: Familiarize yourself with the home/away split to anticipate travel or ticket buys.
- Audit Your Streaming Services: If you only have Prime Video, you'll miss 16 out of 17 games; consider a trial of YouTube TV or Fubo as the 2026 season nears in August.
- Bookmark 506 Sports: Set a reminder for late August to start checking weekly coverage maps to see if the Chargers are "in-market" for your specific zip code.