Ok, let’s be honest with ourselves… As far as Thursday night games go, this week’s isn’t exactly a dream match.
The Steelers are all well and good (and in a two-way tie for second place in their division), but the Patriots are the second-worst team in the NFL, behind only the Panthers. An upset is always possible, but this one likely won’t be a nail biter. And there’s not even the chance of a Taylor Swift cameo to distract you.
Still… the deeper we get into the season, the more dark horses start to gather steam. The Pats aren’t out of the playoff picture, technically, and they’ve certainly shown the ability to come from far behind in the past. Perhaps this week is the start of that for them.
Want to find out? 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. 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?
Yes, but you’ll have to live in either the greater Boston or Pittsburgh areas. 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?
Nope. 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 on 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 handles play-by-play. 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?
The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market as well as any played in prime time.
