Thursday Night Football (TNF) has become must-see TV for NFL fans. With big matchups, star players and drama-filled primetime games, the Thursday night slate generates huge ratings and revenue each season. In 2023, TNF is shifting exclusively to Amazon Prime Video, ending a long-running TV partnership.
But don‘t worry cord-cutters. This guide will show you all the ways to stream Thursday Night Football this year without expensive cable.
Whether you want to watch on your Firestick, mobile phone or any device, we‘ve got you covered. Below you‘ll find the full TNF schedule, streaming instructions, additional viewing options, and answers to common questions. Let‘s dive in!
A New Era for Thursday Night Football
First, let‘s recap the landmark TNF streaming deal between Amazon and the NFL.
The agreement grants Amazon exclusive rights to broadcast all Thursday night games. This ends a long-time partnership between the NFL and TV networks like Fox Sports and NBC for TNF programming.
According to reports, Amazon will pay roughly $1 billion per year to take over as the only home for Thursday Night Football.
For comparison, Fox previously paid around $660 million annually to broadcast a portion of the TNF schedule. This new deal exemplifies the shift towards streaming and Amazon‘s aggressive push into live sports.
The popularity and big ratings TNF draws also factored into the astronomical rights fees. Last season, TNF averaged 16.4 million viewers per game. Undoubtedly the NFL saw huge financial upside in pivoting the time slot to streaming exclusively.
Now Prime Video becomes the go-to destination for TNF fans seeking an alternative to cable. Next up, let‘s look at the matchups in store this season.
2023 Thursday Night Football Schedule
Here is the complete slate of Thursday night NFL action you can catch on Prime Video:
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 9/28 | Lions vs. Packers | 8:20PM |
| 5 | 10/5 | Bears vs. Commanders | 8:20PM |
| 6 | 10/12 | Broncos vs. Chiefs | 8:20PM |
| 7 | 10/19 | Jaguars vs. Saints | 8:20PM |
| 8 | 10/26 | Buccaneers vs. Ravens | 8:20PM |
| 9 | 11/2 | Titans vs. Steelers | 8:20PM |
| 10 | 11/9 | Panthers vs. Bears | 8:20PM |
| 11 | 11/16 | Bengals vs. Saints | 8:20PM |
| 12 | 11/24 (Fri) | Bills vs. Lions | 12:30PM |
| 13 | 11/30 | Cowboys vs. Titans | 8:20PM |
| 14 | 12/7 | Patriots vs. Raiders | 8:20PM |
| 15 | 12/14 | 49ers vs. Seahawks | 8:20PM |
| 16 | 12/21 | Jaguars vs. Jets | 8:20PM |
| 17 | 12/28 | Cowboys vs. Titans | 8:20PM |
Some marquee matchups include historic rivals like Packers vs. Bears, Steelers vs. Browns, Raiders vs. Chiefs and more. Let‘s look at how to catch all the action.
How to Live Stream Thursday Night Football on Prime Video
Thanks to Amazon‘s exclusive rights, watching Thursday Night Football is easier than ever for Prime members. Just use the Prime Video app on any compatible device.
Here are step-by-step instructions to stream TNF using popular platforms:
Fire TV Stick
The Fire TV Stick is a top option for streaming Prime Video in crystal clear 4K:
- Turn on your Fire TV Stick and launch the Prime Video app from the home screen.
- Open the left-side menu and select "Live & Upcoming Events".
- Choose the current TNF game and click Watch Now. The live stream will start.
- Use the remote to pause, rewind or control the stream just like a DVR.
I recommend the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for the best TNF streaming experience. It‘s faster and supports better video quality than older Fire stick models.
Roku
Roku provides a quick and easy way to get TNF on your big screen:
- Power on your Roku and select the Prime Video app from the home screen.
- Browse or search for "Thursday Night Football" within the Prime Video app.
- Pick the current live game and click Watch Now to start the stream.
- Use Roku remote buttons to pause, rewind or fast-forward just like a set-top box.
The Roku Ultra is great for smooth 4K and HDR TNF streaming. The Express 4K+ is a budget-friendly choice too.
iPhone and iPad
You can watch the big game away from your TV too:
- Download the Prime Video app from the iOS App Store.
- Open the app and log in using your Amazon credentials.
- Tap the "Live & Upcoming Events" tab on the bottom.
- Select Thursday Night Football and hit the play icon to start watching!
Optimized video quality will adjust based on your connection speed for smooth mobile streaming. You can also download games to watch offline later.
Along with Fire TV, Roku and iOS, Prime members can stream TNF live on:
- Android phones & tablets
- Chromecast devices
- Apple TV boxes
- Smart TVs with Prime Video apps
- Web browsers on a computer
No cable required! Just log into the Prime Video app with your account. Next let‘s explore more cord-cutting options.
Alternate Ways to Stream Thursday Night Football
Don‘t have Amazon Prime yet? Here are some other ways to watch Thursday Night Football live streams:
NFL+
NFL‘s premium streaming service provides live local TNF games to mobile devices and tablets only. An annual subscription costs $39.99.
Pros
- Cheaper than other options
- Month-to-month payment
- Condensed game replays
Cons
- Mobile/tablet only
- No DVR or casting abilities
- Limited to local market games
Overall NFL+ is best for die-hard fans who want mobile TNF access without paying for cable or Prime.
FuboTV
This sports-focused live TV streaming service offers TNF coverage including local broadcast stations. Plans start at $69.99 per month.
Pros
- Carries NFL Network
- Cloud DVR included
- 4K streaming on some channels
Cons
- No TNT or TBS for NBA, NHL playoffs
- Limited channel selection
- Expensive
FuboTV is a great option for cord-cutters who want sports coverage beyond just football.
Hulu + Live TV
For $69.99/month, Hulu‘s live TV plan includes local TNF channels like Fox. Cloud DVR lets you record games.
Pros
- On-demand shows/movies
- Unlimited screens at home
- Large channel lineup
Cons
- No NFL Network offered
- Price recently increased
- Must pay extra for enhanced DVR
Hulu + Live TV gives you local TNF games plus tons of on-demand entertainment content.
Sling TV
Sling‘s Blue package includes Fox and NFL Network for $35/month. An ideal budget TNF streaming choice.
Pros
- Cheapest live TV streamer
- Cloud DVR available
- Customizable channel add-ons
Cons
- Limited to 3 streams
- No local CBS or ABC
- Promotional pricing ends quickly
Sling Blue is a great cord-cutting starter option to access live sports on the cheap.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) offers premium channel packages that include TNF coverage. Starting at $69.99/month.
Pros
- 125+ channel packages
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Access to Sunday Ticket
Cons
- No cheaper base package
- Significant rate hikes after 12 months
- Contract required
While a bit pricier, DirecTV Stream duplicates the cable TV experience for serious football fans.
When picking a streaming service, I recommend taking advantage of any free trial offer. This will allow you to test the platform out before committing long-term.
Now let‘s answer some frequently asked questions about streaming TNF.
Thursday Night Football Streaming FAQ
Here are the details on channels, timing, supported devices and more:
What time does Thursday Night Football start?
TNF games kickoff at 8:20 pm ET with pre-game coverage typically starting at 7:30 pm ET.
What channel is Thursday Night Football on?
Thursday Night Football airs locally on Fox and other broadcast stations. It‘s also on Prime Video for subscribers.
Can I stream Thursday Night Football for free?
Yes! Just use a free trial of Amazon Prime to access live TNF streams on Prime Video at no cost.
What devices can I watch Prime Video TNF on?
Virtually any phone, tablet, streaming device (Firestick, Roku, Apple TV) or smart TV can stream Prime Video.
How can I watch TNF without cable?
Options include Prime Video, free trials of other live TV streamers or NFL+ for mobile streaming only.
Does Prime Video stream Thursday Night Football internationally?
Unfortunately TNF streaming is only available domestically within the United States due to broadcasting restrictions. International viewers will need a reliable VPN.
For additional help, Prime Video customer service can troubleshoot any streaming issues. Their technical support team is available 24/7 by phone, online chat or social media.
Now let‘s recap the key takeaways for watching football this season.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The 2023 Thursday Night Football schedule is packed with exciting rivalries and star-studded matchups.
Amazon Prime Video now becomes the exclusive streamer of all TNF games in a landmark deal shaking up traditional broadcasting models.
As a Prime member, you can stream live Thursday night games easily on pretty much any device. Just use the Prime Video app at no extra cost.
Other streaming options like FuboTV, DirecTV Stream and NFL+ provide additional ways to watch without an expensive cable subscription.
Based on versatility, value and viewing experience, I highly recommend:
-
Amazon Prime Video – Best overall option thanks to exclusive TNF rights. Try Prime free for 30 days.
-
NFL+ – Ideal for diehard fans who want mobile TNF streaming on the cheap.
-
FuboTV – Great for cord-cutters who also watch other sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, etc.
This season, say goodbye to cable bills and enjoy Thursday Night Football through whatever streaming service fits your needs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
