Normally, a match between the AFC West’s top- and bottom-ranked teams wouldn’t be must-see TV. Normally, though, Taylor Swift isn’t one of the variables.
The Kansas City Chiefs (and, of course, Travis Kelce) will take on the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. And, yes, Swift is expected to be in attendance. If so, that will be the third Chiefs game this season for the megastar.
As for the game, the Broncos defense has been, well… pretty bad this year. That has the odds-makers favoring Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, but divisional rivalries sometimes light a fire under the underdogs.
Amazon remains the place to watch Thursday’s game, but there are a few potential workarounds. Here’s a look at how to watch tonight 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, Oct. 12
Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Oct. 19
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Oct. 26
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 2
Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 9
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 16
Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 23
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Friday, Nov. 24
Miami Dolphins vs New York Jets, 3:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
Thursday, Nov. 30
Seattle Seahawks vs Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime
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?
Only if you’re in the broadcast zones of the two teams who are playing. If not, you’ll need an Amazon Prime account. Simulcasts will not be offered on larger broadcast networks. Sorry Swifties.
Can I stream NFL Thursday night games live online if I don’t have an Amazon Prime account?
Nope. 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. The only exception will be on Thanksgiving.
What changes has Amazon brought to the 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 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 likelihood 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 live stream, streamlining the viewing process.
It 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. 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.
Who is Amazon’s broadcast team?
Al Michaels, who has called both Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, heads the play-by-play calls on the main announce team. Kirk Herbstreit, who until last year had focused mainly on college games and been a key player on ESPN’s “College GameDay” program, contributes color commentary.
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.
