Can You Watch Thursday Night Football on NFL?

Thursday Night Football has become a staple for NFL fans, offering an additional prime-time game each week during the NFL season. With this added game, fans are eager to know how they can watch and follow the action. The NFL has structured its broadcasting rights in a way that can sometimes be confusing, so here's a comprehensive guide to understanding how you can watch Thursday Night Football and what platforms you should be aware of.

Broadcast Rights and Platforms

Thursday Night Football (TNF) games are broadcast through a partnership between the NFL and various media companies. The broadcasting rights have changed hands over the years, and as of the 2024 season, the primary broadcaster for TNF is Amazon Prime Video. This means that the majority of Thursday night games are available for streaming exclusively on Amazon's platform.

In addition to Amazon Prime Video, some games might also be available on local TV stations, depending on the region and specific broadcasting agreements. NFL Network, a dedicated channel for NFL coverage, sometimes airs these games as well, but it primarily serves as a secondary broadcaster.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video has secured the exclusive rights to most Thursday Night Football games. To watch TNF on Amazon Prime, you need a subscription to Amazon Prime, which offers various benefits beyond streaming, including free shipping on Amazon purchases and access to Prime Music.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to watching TNF on Amazon Prime Video:

1. Subscribe to Amazon Prime: If you're not already a member, you need to sign up for Amazon Prime. There are options for monthly or annual subscriptions.
2. Download the Amazon Prime Video App: The app is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire Stick.
3. Log In to Your Account: Use your Amazon Prime credentials to log in to the app.
4. Find the TNF Game: The game will be prominently featured on the Prime Video home screen. You can also search for it using the app’s search function.
5. Enjoy the Game: Click on the game to start streaming. You can also use features like live stats and alternative camera angles if available.

Local TV Stations and NFL Network

While Amazon Prime Video holds the primary rights, some Thursday Night Football games may still be broadcast on local TV stations, particularly in the teams' home markets. For instance, if a game features a local team, it might be shown on a regional network in that team's area.

NFL Network also provides coverage for certain Thursday Night Football games. If you have a cable or satellite TV subscription that includes NFL Network, you might be able to watch TNF games there. However, this is less common as Amazon Prime Video is the main broadcaster.

Considerations for Cord-Cutters

If you do not have cable and are looking to stream TNF, Amazon Prime Video is your primary option. Other streaming services that offer live TV packages, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV, may not carry Thursday Night Football due to the exclusive streaming rights held by Amazon.

Alternative Viewing Options

For fans who cannot access Amazon Prime Video or local broadcasts, there are other ways to follow the game. Many sports apps and websites provide live updates, scores, and play-by-play commentary. NFL’s official app also offers live game updates and highlights, though live streaming is not available.

Understanding the Schedule

The schedule for Thursday Night Football is announced at the beginning of each NFL season. It's a good idea to check the schedule in advance to ensure you know which games are available on Amazon Prime Video and to plan your viewing accordingly.

Future Changes

Broadcasting rights and streaming agreements can change, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest announcements from the NFL. Any changes in broadcasting rights will be communicated through official channels and media outlets.

Conclusion

Watching Thursday Night Football in 2024 involves primarily using Amazon Prime Video, which holds the exclusive rights to most TNF games. Local broadcasts and NFL Network provide secondary options, but for the most part, Amazon is the go-to platform. By subscribing to Amazon Prime and using their streaming app, fans can easily catch all the Thursday night action.