If you just sat down with a bowl of wings only to realize your cable box doesn’t have the game, don't panic. You aren't alone. The days of just flipping to CBS or NBC to find the NFL midweek are basically over. Honestly, it’s a bit of a headache for some, but once you get it set up, it's actually pretty smooth.
Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for Thursday Night Football in 2026.
That is the short answer. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you already have access to the game. You just open the app on your smart TV, phone, or laptop, and it’s right there on the home screen. But there are some weird exceptions—like if you live in the local market of the teams playing—and some cool features most people miss.
Where to Find the Game Right Now
Amazon isn't just a store anymore; they own this night of the week. They signed an 11-year deal with the NFL that runs through 2033, so you might as well get used to the interface.
You can watch through:
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- The Prime Video app (Available on Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, etc.).
- A web browser at Amazon.com.
- The Twitch app (Amazon owns this too, and they usually stream the game there for free).
- NFL+ on mobile devices.
One thing that trips people up is the "channel number." There isn't one. Unless you are in the home cities of the two teams playing, you won't find this on your local cable guide. If you live in, say, Chicago, and the Bears are playing on Thursday, a local broadcast station (usually an ABC, FOX, or CBS affiliate) will carry the game over the air. Everyone else? You're heading to the app store.
What Channel is Thursday Night Football On for Local Fans?
The NFL has this rule where they don't want to completely screw over fans who don't have high-speed internet in the competing teams' home markets. It’s a legacy thing.
If the Dallas Cowboys are playing the New York Giants on a Thursday, the game will be broadcast on a local TV station in both Dallas and New York. This is usually determined a few weeks before the game. You'll need a digital antenna or a basic cable package to catch it there. For the rest of the country, that local channel will just be showing the nightly news or a rerun of Young Sheldon.
The 2025-2026 Season Schedule and Exceptions
It's worth noting that not every game played on a Thursday is technically a "Thursday Night Football" broadcast. I know, it’s confusing.
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The season opener—the very first game of the year—is usually on a Thursday night. However, that is traditionally an NBC broadcast (part of the Sunday Night Football package). Same goes for the Thanksgiving Day games. Those are split between CBS, FOX, and NBC. Amazon usually gets a game on "Black Friday" instead.
So, if you’re looking for the game on Thanksgiving, put the Amazon app away. You’ll need a standard TV tuner for that.
Why the Broadcast Looks Different
If you’ve watched a game on Prime recently, you might have noticed the "Prime Vision" thing. It’s actually kind of cool if you’re a football nerd. They use AI and chips in the players' shoulder pads to show you real-time stats, like how fast a receiver is running or how much "cushion" a cornerback is giving.
They also have multiple audio feeds. You can listen to the legendary Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit, or you can switch to the "Dude Perfect" stream if you have kids (or if you just like chaos). There’s even a Spanish language broadcast available directly in the settings.
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- Check your internet speed. Live sports in 4K or even 1080p can be taxing. You really want at least 25 Mbps to avoid that annoying "spinning circle" right when someone is about to score.
- Update your app. Don't wait until 8:14 PM to open the Prime Video app. If it needs an update, it’ll take forever. Do it during the day.
- Use the "X-Ray" feature. If you’re playing Fantasy Football, this is a lifesaver. You can see live lineups and stats without looking away from the screen.
Getting it for Free (Sorta)
Look, I get it. Subscriptions add up. If you don't want to pay for Prime, you can usually sign up for a 30-day free trial during a month when your favorite team has a Thursday game. Just remember to cancel it before the month is up.
Also, as mentioned before, Twitch often carries the stream for free. Since it's a platform built for gamers, the chat can get a little wild, but the game looks great.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
To make sure you're ready for kickoff, follow these steps:
- Confirm your login: Log into your Amazon account on your TV today. Don't fumble with a password reset while the national anthem is playing.
- Get an antenna: If you live in a major NFL city, a $20 digital antenna is the best backup plan you can have.
- Check the schedule: Use the NFL app to see if this week's game is a "Special Presentation" (like the season opener or Thanksgiving) or a standard Prime Video exclusive.
The shift to streaming is basically done at this point. While it felt weird a few years ago, having the game in an app means you can take it to the kitchen on your phone when you're getting more snacks without missing a snap. Just make sure your Wi-Fi is up to the task.