Can You Watch Thursday Night Football Without Having Amazon Prime?

Thursday Night Football has become a staple of NFL programming, but the shift to Amazon Prime Video as the exclusive broadcaster for this prime-time slot has left many fans wondering how they can keep up with the games. This article delves into the various ways you can watch Thursday Night Football without an Amazon Prime subscription. We’ll explore alternative methods, potential costs, and other options that might help you catch every exciting play of the season.

Understanding Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime

In recent years, Thursday Night Football (TNF) games have been exclusively broadcasted on Amazon Prime Video. This means that if you want to watch these games live, an Amazon Prime subscription is necessary. However, there are several strategies you can use to enjoy Thursday Night Football without having to pay for Amazon Prime.

**1. Using Network TV Options

While Amazon Prime holds the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, some games might be broadcast on network TV channels in certain markets. It’s not guaranteed, but local affiliates of major networks such as CBS, NBC, or FOX occasionally air these games. Keep an eye on your local listings or check the NFL’s official website to see if the game is being shown on a local channel.

**2. NFL's Official Website and Mobile App

The NFL offers various ways to watch their content, and sometimes, highlights and key moments from Thursday Night Football games are available on the NFL’s official website and mobile app. Though you won’t be able to watch the full game live, you can keep up with scores, highlights, and key plays.

**3. Streaming Services Offering Free Trials

Several streaming platforms offer Amazon Prime Video as part of their package. Some of these platforms might have free trials or promotional offers. Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV may offer Amazon Prime Video access as part of their bundle. By taking advantage of these free trials, you can potentially watch Thursday Night Football without committing to a full subscription.

**4. Sharing an Amazon Prime Account

If you have friends or family who have an Amazon Prime subscription, you might consider asking them if you can watch the game using their account. Amazon allows for account sharing with a limited number of people, so you could potentially use their login details to stream the game on your device. Remember, it's always best to respect account sharing policies and ensure you’re following the rules set by Amazon.

**5. Watching on NFL RedZone

While NFL RedZone primarily focuses on the highlights and critical moments from various games across the league, it occasionally covers Thursday Night Football games. If you have access to NFL RedZone through your cable or satellite provider, you may catch key plays and game-changing moments.

**6. Using Over-the-Air Antennas

For games that might be broadcasted on local network TV stations, using an over-the-air antenna could be a simple and cost-effective solution. Over-the-air antennas can pick up signals from local broadcasters, and if the game is being aired on a network channel, you can watch it without a subscription.

**7. Checking Out Local Sports Bars and Restaurants

Many sports bars and restaurants that cater to NFL fans often have streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, available for patrons. If you enjoy a social atmosphere, this could be a fun way to watch Thursday Night Football with other fans while also enjoying some food and drinks.

**8. Online Radio and Audio Streaming

For those who prefer to listen rather than watch, online radio stations and audio streaming services often provide live coverage of NFL games, including Thursday Night Football. While this won’t give you the visuals, it’s a good way to stay updated on the game’s progress and key moments.

**9. Social Media and Sports Websites

Following live updates on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook can also keep you informed about the game. Many sports websites and apps provide live score updates, play-by-play commentary, and highlights that can help you stay engaged with the game.

**10. Replay Options

If watching the game live isn’t crucial, check out if the game is available for replay. Amazon Prime often provides replays for their subscribers, and some sports news websites or apps might offer condensed versions of the game that you can watch later.

Summary

While Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive broadcaster for Thursday Night Football, there are multiple ways to watch or follow the games without having a subscription. From network TV and free trials to social gatherings and audio streaming, there are various alternatives to ensure you don’t miss out on the NFL action. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching up on key moments, these options can help you stay connected to your favorite sport.