How to Watch Thursday Night Football Without Amazon Prime
1. NFL Mobile App
One of the most direct ways to watch Thursday Night Football without Amazon Prime is through the NFL Mobile App. The NFL offers live streaming of some games for free. Depending on the specific Thursday night game, you may have the option to stream directly via the app. It’s available for both Android and iOS, and while the selection might be limited, it’s an easy and free way to catch at least some of the action.
2. Local Broadcast Channels
Many Thursday Night Football games are simulcast on local broadcast channels, particularly if your local team is playing. CBS, FOX, and NBC are among the networks that sometimes have the rights to Thursday games. If you have an HD antenna, you can watch these games live without a subscription. Antennas are a one-time purchase and give you access to local broadcast channels in HD quality for free.
3. Streaming Services
Several streaming platforms offer live TV options, and many include channels that broadcast Thursday Night Football. Some of the best alternatives include:
Hulu + Live TV: Hulu offers a live TV option that includes major networks such as FOX, NBC, and CBS, which sometimes air Thursday Night Football. Hulu’s service also includes cloud DVR storage, so you can record the game and watch it later. Prices start around $69.99 per month, and they often have free trial periods.
YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu, YouTube TV provides access to networks like FOX and NBC, which may air Thursday night games. It comes with unlimited cloud DVR, so you can record games for later. The cost is around $72.99 per month, and a free trial is also available for new subscribers.
Sling TV: Sling TV offers more affordable streaming options starting at $40 per month. Sling's Blue package includes FOX and NBC in select markets, which might carry the games. They also offer a free trial period and cloud DVR for recording games.
fuboTV: This sports-centric streaming service includes FOX, NBC, and CBS, all of which could carry Thursday night games. fuboTV costs around $74.99 per month but often has promotions and free trials, and its focus on sports means you’ll find plenty of other football coverage as well.
DirecTV Stream: DirecTV offers a streaming version of its service that includes CBS, FOX, and NBC. Packages start at around $74.99 per month, and they typically offer a free trial for new users.
4. Sports Bars and Restaurants
If you’re looking for a more social option to watch the game, sports bars and restaurants are great alternatives. Many bars have deals during Thursday Night Football, and watching with a crowd can enhance the game experience. Popular chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, or local sports bars often broadcast NFL games, including Thursday night matchups. You can call ahead to ensure they’ll be airing the game you want to watch.
5. NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass offers a more comprehensive way to catch up on games after they air. While Game Pass doesn’t allow you to watch live games in the U.S., it provides full replays of every NFL game. If you don’t mind waiting a few hours, you can watch the Thursday night game in its entirety after it concludes. NFL Game Pass costs around $99 per year and offers a 7-day free trial.
6. Yahoo Sports App
Like the NFL Mobile App, the Yahoo Sports App sometimes offers live streams of Thursday Night Football. You can download the app on both Android and iOS, and it’s a free way to stream select games. However, access may vary depending on your location and the specific game.
7. VPN Services
If you are outside of the U.S., you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access different broadcasting services that may carry Thursday Night Football for free or at a lower cost. VPNs can also be useful if a game is blacked out in your area, allowing you to access other regional broadcasts. Be sure to choose a reliable and fast VPN service to avoid buffering issues during the game.
8. Amazon Alternatives
Even though Amazon Prime is the exclusive provider for most Thursday Night Football games, there are still ways to get around this. Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial, so if you haven’t subscribed before, you can use this free trial to watch the game. Once the trial is over, you can cancel without paying anything. Additionally, Amazon sometimes provides Twitch streams for select games, which are free for anyone to watch, even without a Prime subscription.
Summary Table of Alternatives:
| Option | Cost | Free Trial | Available Channels/Services | Cloud DVR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Mobile App | Free | N/A | Select games only | No |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 per month | Yes | FOX, NBC, CBS | Yes |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 per month | Yes | FOX, NBC, CBS | Yes |
| Sling TV | $40 per month | Yes | FOX, NBC (in select markets) | Yes |
| fuboTV | $74.99 per month | Yes | FOX, NBC, CBS | Yes |
| DirecTV Stream | $74.99 per month | Yes | FOX, NBC, CBS | Yes |
| NFL Game Pass | $99 per year | Yes | Game replays only | No |
| Yahoo Sports App | Free | N/A | Select games only | No |
| VPN Services | Varies | N/A | Regional game access | N/A |
Final Thoughts
Although Amazon Prime is the official home for Thursday Night Football, you can still watch the game through various alternatives like local broadcasts, streaming services, and mobile apps. Whether you're looking for a free option or a premium streaming service, there’s a solution for every budget. Be sure to explore free trials and special promotions to get the most out of your viewing experience without committing to long-term subscriptions.
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