Amazon’s taking the field for the 2023-2024 season, as it takes over broadcast rights for the majority of the Thursday Night games. And with all of the drama the league saw on Week One (sorry Jets fans!), there’s no telling what this week’s games will look like.
The Philadelphia Eagles get the spotlight this week as they attempt to repeat the successes of last seasons. Amazon, meanwhile, will continue to try to innovate how NFL games are broadcast.
Here’s a look at how to watch and what to expect from Thursday night games tonight and moving forward.
Which NFL teams are playing on Thursdays this season?
Here’s who’s playing where and when. (The home team is listed second.)
Thursday, Sept. 14
Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Sept. 21
New York Giants vs San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Sept. 28
Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Oct. 5
Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Oct. 12
Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Oct. 19
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Oct. 26
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 2
Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 9
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 16
Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 23
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Friday, Nov. 24
Miami Dolphins vs New York Jets, 3:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 30
Seattle Seahawks vs Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Dec. 7
New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Dec. 14
Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Dec. 21
New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Dec. 28
New York Jets vs Cleveland Browns, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Can I watch NFL Thursday night games for free on broadcast television?
You can, but you have to be in the right place at the right time.
If you’re in the home town of one of the two teams that are playing on any particular Thursday, you’ll likely have an opportunity to watch, even if you don’t have an Amazon Prime account. Simulcasts will be offered on broadcast networks, letting you watch for free with a good HD antenna.
But if you’re outside of the range of those stations, streaming is your only option.
Can I stream NFL Thursday night games live online if I don’t have an Amazon Prime account?
No. Other games offer a variety of streaming choices, but Amazon has exclusivity to virtually all Thursday night games, preventing other streaming services from carrying them. The only exception will be on Thanksgiving.
What changes will Amazon bring to the NFL games it airs in 2023?
Amazon kicked off its NFL coverage last year with some new twists, including overlaying stats and game updates using its “X-Ray” technology, much like it offers information on which actors are in a scene during a film or TV show. It also offered an alternate stream for younger audiences, with the YouTube troop Dude Perfect replacing the standard play-by-play and color commentary team.
That’s all coming back, but for the 2023-2024 season, the broadcaster also plans to use machine learning to identify pivotal situations through the game. This includes tracking open receivers in real time and guiding viewers how fourth-down decisions will be made. Additionally, a feature called Field Goal Target Zones will overlay multiple lines on the field that show the statistical likelihoods that a kicker will make a field goal.
Finally, if you join the game in progress, a Rapid Recap feature will let you catch the action you missed before you jump into the livestream.
Who is Amazon’s broadcast team?
Amazon has hired some of the most recognizable announcers and commentators as it jumps into the NFL. Al Michaels, who has called both Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, will lead the team. Kirk Herbstreit, who until last year had focused mainly on college games and had been a key player on ESPN’s “College GameDay” program, will return as color commentator.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the Thursday night games?
In a sense. The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market as well as any played in prime time.