Amazon’s 11-year, $1 billion bet on Thursday Night Football is off to a strong start.
The company says last week’s game generated more Prime sign-ups in three hours than any other day in its history, including Cyber Monday, Black Friday or Prime Day. Beyond that, the game saw a record primetime audience for the service in the US. The question is: will these viewers return?
About 13.2 million people watched the streaming service’s premiere broadcast, which was a nail-biter between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. This week, the Steelers and Browns will take center stage.
Amazon’s broadcasts of games are a little different than what you might have seen on other networks. However, the NFL’s second week had mixed ratings, so this week could be a test of whether Amazon’s formula works.
Here’s a look at how to watch and what to expect from Thursday night’s games tonight and moving forward.
Which NFL teams play on Thursdays this season?
It’s a Midwest game this week. Here’s who’s playing when, with a reminder that the home team comes in second.
Thursday, September 22
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, September 29
Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, October 6
Baltimore Colts vs. Denver Broncos, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, October 13
Washington Commanders vs Chicago Bears, 8:15pm ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, October 20
New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, October 27
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, November 3
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Houston Texans, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, November 10
Atlanta Falcons vs. Charlotte Panthers, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, November 17
Tennessee Titans vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, November 24
New England Patriots vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:20 PM ET on NBC
Thursday, December 1
Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, 8:15pm ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, December 8
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, December 15
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, December 22
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New York Jets, 8:15pm ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, December 29
Dallas Cowboys vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 PM ET on Amazon Prime
Can I watch Thursday night NFL games for free on TV?
It really depends on where you live and who plays. If you’re in the hometown of one of the two teams playing on any given Thursday, you’ll likely have a chance to watch, even if you don’t have an Amazon Prime account. The simulcasts will be offered on the broadcast networks, allowing you to watch them for free with a good HD antenna.
But if you’re out of range of these stations, streaming is your only option.
Can I stream Thursday Night NFL games live online if I don’t have an Amazon Prime account?
No. While there are usually several streaming options on Sundays or Mondays, Amazon has exclusivity for these games, preventing other streaming services from carrying them. The only exception will be Thanksgiving night, when NBC will carry the game.
What changes will Amazon bring to the NFL games it broadcasts?
Streaming audiences can be a bit different than traditional broadcasting, so Amazon offers some twists for viewers while keeping things familiar.
For example, it overlays game stats and updates using its “X-Ray” technology, just as it provides information about which actors are in a scene during a movie or TV show. There will also be an alternate stream for the younger audience, with YouTube troupe Dude Perfect replacing the standard game play and color commentary team.
Who is the Amazon Outreach Team?
Amazon has hired some of the most renowned broadcasters and commentators as it jumps into the NFL. Al Michaels, who has called both Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, will manage the team. Kirk Herbstreit, who has focused primarily on college games and has been a key player on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” will serve as the color commentator. And All-Pro players Richard Sherman and Tony Gonzalez will be analysts, along with former Ram Andrew Whitworth and Los Angeles’ Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played for nine teams during their careers.
Will I be able to watch Thursday Night Football at my favorite bar or restaurant?
Yes. Amazon struck a deal with DirecTV that will allow more than 300,000 bars and restaurants nationwide to broadcast the game.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages for Thursday night games?
Kind of. The NFL App will allow you to stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market, as well as any played during prime time.
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