Christmas week is always an odd one for the NFL. Games are stretched over more days than usual—and some matchups are exclusive to certain streaming networks.
So it’s worth appreciating the sense of normality with tonight’s battle between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams on Amazon. Fans won’t have to scramble to watch the game, though they might have to squeeze it in between some last-minute shopping or a late holiday party.
Here’s a look at how to watch the matchup 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. 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?
Not unless you live around New Orleans or Los Angeles. 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?
You can not. While games on other days offer fans a variety of viewing options, Amazon has exclusivity to virtually all Thursday night games. Other streaming services can’t carry them.
What changes has Amazon brought to 2023 NFL games?
Amazon is using machine learning this season to identify pivotal situations, letting fans read the play and track open receivers in real time. It will also guide 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?
Al Michaels, who has called both Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, is in charge of Amazon’s play-by-play calls. Kirk Herbstreit takes on color commentary duties. And an alternate stream for younger audiences, with the YouTube troop Dude Perfect replacing the standard play-by-play and color commentary team, is available.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the Thursday night games?
Indeed! The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market as well as any played in prime time.