The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t have the greatest start to the 2023 season, but they’ve been a fascinating comeback story to watch.
True… they’re still in last place in the AFC West. And a playoff berth is a distant long shot. But it’s not out of the realm of possibility. And a win against the Chargers, who are sharing the cellar with them, could put them within reach of a wild card slot.
Unlikely? Perhaps. But as each NFL season winds down, it’s stories like this that make it captivating. And this week’s contest is truly about who wants it more.
Here’s how to see this week’s game and what you can 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, 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 not on the east coast. Only viewers in Las Vegas or Los Angeles will be able to watch the game via broadcast TV. Thursday night games are only viewable over the air if you’re in the broadcast zones of the two teams who are playing. If not, you’ll need an Amazon Prime account.
Can I stream NFL Thursday night games live online if I don’t have an Amazon Prime account?
Sorry, but no. Amazon has exclusivity to all remaining Thursday night games. Other streaming services can’t carry them.
What changes has Amazon brought to 2023 NFL games?
Amazon has been using machine learning this season to identify pivotal situations, letting fans read the play and track open receivers in real time. It also guides viewers how fourth-down decisions are made. Meanwhile, a feature called Field Goal Target Zones overlays multiple lines on the field that show the statistical likelihoods that a kicker will make a field goal.
If you join the game in progress, a Rapid Recap feature lets you catch the action you missed before you jump into the livestream, streamlining the viewing process.
The broadcasts will also feature many of the twists from last year, 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.
Who is Amazon’s broadcast team?
Play-by-play is handled by the veteran Al Michaels. Kirk Herbstreit contributes color commentary.
An alternate stream for younger audiences, with the YouTube troop Dude Perfect replacing the standard play-by-play and color commentary team, is also available.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the Thursday night games?
It does! The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market as well as any played in prime time.