Yes, you can watch Thursday Night Football on DirecTV, but it depends on which channel is broadcasting the game. The broadcast rights for Thursday Night Football have shifted over the years, and DirecTV customers need to know where to find it. This guide will break down how to catch every Thursday Night Football game with your DirecTV subscription.
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Locating Thursday Night Football on DirecTV
The home of Thursday Night Football has seen a few changes. For many years, games were exclusively on the NFL Network. However, in recent seasons, broadcast rights have been shared and even exclusively held by other platforms. This means you need to be aware of which channel is carrying the game each week.
The NFL Network Era
For a significant period, NFL Network was the primary destination for Thursday Night Football. If you have a DirecTV package that includes the NFL Network, you were in luck for many of these games. The NFL Network is a cornerstone for football fans, offering a wealth of live games, analysis, and behind-the-scenes content.
Sharing the Broadcasts
More recently, Thursday Night Football has become a shared broadcast. This often means games appear on a mix of traditional broadcast networks and streaming platforms.
- Fox: For several seasons, Fox became a major broadcaster of Thursday Night Football. If a game is on Fox, and you have DirecTV, you can watch it on your local Fox affiliate channel. DirecTV provides access to local channels in most areas.
- CBS: Similarly, CBS has also carried some Thursday Night Football games. If a game is scheduled for CBS, you can tune in using your DirecTV subscription on the local CBS channel.
- Amazon Prime Video: This is a significant development in how Thursday Night Football is delivered. A multi-year deal with Amazon Prime Video means that a substantial portion, and in some cases all, of Thursday Night Football games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video. This is a crucial point for DirecTV subscribers.
How DirecTV Fits In
While DirecTV is a leading cable provider, it does not directly provide access to Amazon Prime Video content. This means that if a Thursday Night Football game is exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, you will need a separate Amazon Prime Video subscription and a way to stream it. You cannot simply tune into a DirecTV channel for these games.
However, if a Thursday Night Football game is being broadcast on Fox, CBS, or the NFL Network, and your DirecTV package includes these channels, then you are set. DirecTV strives to provide access to major sports broadcasts, and these traditional networks are usually part of their channel lineups.
Key Channels for Thursday Night Football on DirecTV
To effectively watch Thursday Night Football with DirecTV, you need to know which channels carry it. Here’s a breakdown:
- NFL Network: This is often a core channel for Thursday Night Football. DirecTV offers the NFL Network as part of several of its sports packages. You’ll need to ensure your DirecTV subscription includes this channel.
- Fox: Local Fox affiliates are available through DirecTV. If a Thursday Night Football game is broadcast on Fox, you can find it on your local channel. DirecTV makes it easy to access these local streaming services and broadcasts.
- CBS: Similar to Fox, local CBS affiliates are accessible via DirecTV. Check your local listings to find the CBS channel number in your area.
- NBC: While less common for Thursday Night Football in recent years, NBC has also been part of the broadcast rotation in the past. DirecTV provides access to local NBC channels as well.
- ESPN: While ESPN is a major sports network, it typically broadcasts Monday Night Football, not Thursday Night Football. However, it’s always good to keep an eye on sports schedules, as occasional shifts can occur, though it’s unlikely for Thursday games.
The Amazon Prime Video Factor
The most significant change is the exclusive deal with Amazon Prime Video. This means that for many Thursday Night Football games, the only way to watch them is through Amazon’s streaming service.
- What is Amazon Prime Video? It’s a subscription-based video streaming service offered by Amazon. It includes a vast library of movies, TV shows, and, crucially, live sports like Thursday Night Football.
- Does DirecTV give me Amazon Prime Video? No, a DirecTV subscription does not include an Amazon Prime Video subscription. You must sign up for Amazon Prime Video separately.
- How to watch on DirecTV: If you have a DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) package that includes streaming services like Prime Video, you might have access. However, for traditional DirecTV satellite customers, you’ll need a separate way to access Prime Video.
DirecTV Packages and Thursday Night Football
The specific DirecTV package you have will determine your access to the channels broadcasting Thursday Night Football.
DirecTV Satellite Packages
DirecTV offers various satellite TV packages, from basic to premium. The availability of the NFL Network, Fox, CBS, and NBC will vary depending on the package you choose.
- Base Packages: Often include local channels like Fox and CBS, but the NFL Network is usually in a higher-tier package.
- Sports Packages: DirecTV offers dedicated sports packages that often include the NFL Network and other sports-focused channels. If you’re a serious football fan, investing in a sports package is likely necessary to get the NFL Network.
- Checking Your Subscription: The best way to know for sure is to log in to your DirecTV account online or check your monthly bill. Your package details will list all the channels you receive.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is a live TV streaming service that offers different channel packages. Similar to satellite, the availability of the NFL Network and regional sports channels will depend on your chosen DirecTV Stream package.
- Choice, Choice Ultimate, Choice Premier: These packages typically offer a wider range of sports channels. You’ll need to check the specific channel lineup for each DirecTV Stream package to confirm if the NFL Network is included.
- Bundles: Some DirecTV Stream packages might offer bundles that include other streaming services. It’s worth checking if an Amazon Prime Video bundle is ever offered, though this is less common for live sports exclusivity.
Navigating Broadcast Rights Changes
The landscape of sports broadcasting is constantly evolving. The shift of Thursday Night Football to Amazon Prime Video is a prime example.
Why the Changes?
Streaming services like Amazon are investing heavily in live sports to attract and retain subscribers. For the NFL, this offers a way to reach a massive audience, including younger viewers who may not subscribe to traditional cable.
What This Means for DirecTV Customers
- Potential for More Games on Traditional Channels: While Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive rights to many games, some Thursday Night Football games might still be broadcast on Fox, CBS, or the NFL Network. It’s crucial to check the weekly NFL schedule.
- The Need for Multiple Subscriptions: If you want to watch every Thursday Night Football game, you might need a DirecTV subscription that includes the necessary channels (like NFL Network, Fox, CBS) and a separate Amazon Prime Video subscription.
- Impact on NFL Sunday Ticket: It’s important to distinguish Thursday Night Football from NFL Sunday Ticket. While DirecTV was the exclusive provider of NFL Sunday Ticket for many years, this package is now exclusively on YouTube TV and YouTube. This means that if you’re a DirecTV customer solely relying on them for all your NFL needs, you’ll miss out on Sunday afternoon out-of-market games. However, DirecTV can still provide access to games broadcast on national networks like Fox, CBS, NBC, and the NFL Network on Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Planning Your Viewing Strategy
To ensure you don’t miss any Thursday Night Football action with DirecTV, follow these steps:
- Check the Weekly Schedule: Before each Thursday, consult the official NFL schedule or sports news outlets to confirm which channel is broadcasting the game.
- Verify Your DirecTV Package: Log in to your DirecTV account or review your subscription details to see which channels you have access to.
- Subscribe to Necessary Services: If a game is on Amazon Prime Video, make sure you have an active subscription. If it’s on the NFL Network and you don’t have it, consider upgrading your DirecTV package or adding a sports tier.
- Use Your DirecTV App: The DirecTV app allows you to stream channels you receive on your TV from your mobile device or tablet, which can be handy if you’re on the go.
Example Scenarios
Let’s look at a few hypothetical scenarios:
Scenario 1: Thursday Night Football is on Fox.
* DirecTV Solution: If your DirecTV package includes your local Fox channel, you can watch it by tuning into that channel. No extra subscription is needed.
Scenario 2: Thursday Night Football is exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
* DirecTV Solution: DirecTV satellite or DirecTV Stream will not provide this game directly. You will need an Amazon Prime Video subscription and a device capable of streaming it (smart TV app, streaming stick, computer, etc.).
Scenario 3: Thursday Night Football is on the NFL Network.
* DirecTV Solution: You need to check if your DirecTV package includes the NFL Network. If it does, tune into the NFL Network channel. If not, you’ll need to upgrade your DirecTV package or consider an alternative way to access the NFL Network (though this is usually through the provider).
Alternative Viewing Options for Thursday Night Football
If your current DirecTV setup doesn’t cover all the Thursday Night Football broadcasts, or if you’re looking for more flexibility, consider these alternatives:
- Amazon Prime Video Subscription: As mentioned, this is essential for games exclusively on the platform.
- Other Streaming Services: Some bundles or standalone streaming services might offer packages that include the NFL Network or local channels. However, the exclusivity of Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video limits how many other streaming services can offer these specific games.
- Local Broadcaster Apps: Some local Fox and CBS stations have their own apps that might offer live streaming of their broadcasts, but this often requires a cable or satellite TV login.
- Sports Bar: For a communal viewing experience, a local sports bar is always an option, though this isn’t a substitute for watching at home.
The Future of Thursday Night Football Broadcasts
The NFL’s strategy is to maximize reach and revenue. This means partnerships with traditional broadcasters like Fox and CBS will likely continue, alongside major digital players like Amazon Prime Video. It’s possible that other streaming services could also enter the bidding for rights in the future. For DirecTV customers, staying informed about these partnerships and broadcast rights is key.
Key Takeaways for DirecTV Subscribers:
- Thursday Night Football can be on Fox, CBS, NFL Network, or Amazon Prime Video.
- DirecTV provides access to Fox, CBS, and NFL Network (depending on your package).
- DirecTV does not provide Amazon Prime Video content directly.
- You will likely need an Amazon Prime Video subscription to watch games exclusively broadcast there.
- Always check the weekly schedule to know where to tune in.
By following this guide, DirecTV customers can better navigate the evolving landscape of Thursday Night Football and ensure they don’t miss a single touchdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I watch all Thursday Night Football games on DirecTV?
No, you cannot watch all Thursday Night Football games solely through DirecTV. While DirecTV provides access to games broadcast on Fox, CBS, and the NFL Network, a significant portion of Thursday Night Football is now exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video. To watch those games, you will need a separate Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Which DirecTV package includes the NFL Network?
The NFL Network is typically not included in the most basic DirecTV packages. It is usually available in higher-tier packages or as part of a sports add-on package. You should check the specific DirecTV channel lineup for the package you are interested in or log in to your account to see which channels your current subscription includes.
Do I need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes, you do need an Amazon Prime subscription, which includes Amazon Prime Video, to watch the Thursday Night Football games that are exclusively broadcast on that platform.
What if my DirecTV package doesn’t include the NFL Network?
If your DirecTV package does not include the NFL Network and a Thursday Night Football game is scheduled to be broadcast there, you have a few options:
* Upgrade your DirecTV package to one that includes the NFL Network.
* Look for a sports add-on package from DirecTV that includes the NFL Network.
* If the game is also available on Fox or CBS, and your DirecTV package includes those channels, you might be able to watch it there.
How do I know which channel Thursday Night Football will be on each week?
The best way to know which channel Thursday Night Football will be on each week is to check the official NFL schedule or reputable sports news websites. The broadcast rights can change, so it’s essential to verify the broadcast channel before game day.
Is Thursday Night Football the same as NFL Sunday Ticket?
No, Thursday Night Football is different from NFL Sunday Ticket. Thursday Night Football refers to games played on Thursday nights, broadcast on various networks and streaming platforms. NFL Sunday Ticket is a separate package that historically provided access to all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. DirecTV is no longer the exclusive provider of NFL Sunday Ticket; it is now available through YouTube TV and YouTube. However, DirecTV still offers access to nationally televised NFL games, including those on Thursday nights, on the appropriate channels.