Who Plays on Thursday Night Football?

2023-10-20

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Thursday Night Football (TNF) is a weekly National Football League (NFL) game that takes place on Thursday nights during the regular season. The game is broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime Video and simulcast on NFL Network and Fox.

The TNF schedule is announced in the spring, and it typically features some of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Some games may be flexed to TNF if another game is deemed to be less popular.

The following teams are scheduled to play on Thursday Night Football in 2023:

Who Plays on Thursday Night Football

TNF features exciting matchups.

NFL games on Thursday nights
Broadcast on Amazon Prime Video
Also on NFL Network and Fox
Schedule announced in spring
Anticipated matchups
Flex scheduling possible
2023 schedule available
Tune in for great football

Thursday Night Football offers a unique opportunity to catch some of the best NFL action during the week.

NFL games on Thursday nights

NFL games on Thursday nights, also known as Thursday Night Football (TNF), offer a unique experience for football fans.

Exclusive matchups:
TNF games are typically exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, meaning you can't catch them on traditional TV channels. This makes them a must-watch for football fans who want to see some of the best matchups of the week.
Midweek excitement:
TNF games provide a midweek dose of football excitement, breaking up the long wait between Sunday games. It's a great way to get your football fix and keep the momentum going throughout the week.
Primetime showcase:
TNF games are played in primetime, giving them a special feel and making them a focal point of the week's NFL action. These games often feature some of the league's top teams and players, making them highly anticipated events.
Flexible scheduling:
The NFL has the flexibility to adjust the TNF schedule throughout the season. This allows them to move games to different dates or times if necessary, ensuring that the best matchups are showcased on Thursday nights.

Overall, NFL games on Thursday nights offer a unique and exciting way to experience the sport. With exclusive matchups, midweek excitement, a primetime showcase, and flexible scheduling, TNF has become a staple of the NFL calendar.

Broadcast on Amazon Prime Video

Thursday Night Football (TNF) games are exclusively broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, a popular streaming service. This means that you need an Amazon Prime Video subscription to watch TNF games.

Wide accessibility:
Amazon Prime Video is available on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, mobile phones, and tablets. This makes it easy to watch TNF games from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
Enhanced viewing experience:
Amazon Prime Video offers a variety of features to enhance the viewing experience for TNF games. These features include multiple camera angles, instant replays, and expert commentary. You can also watch TNF games in 4K resolution for an even more immersive experience.
Subscription required:
To watch TNF games on Amazon Prime Video, you need an active Amazon Prime subscription. Amazon Prime offers a variety of benefits, including free shipping on eligible items, access to Prime Video, and more. You can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to watch TNF games, but you will need to pay a monthly subscription fee after the trial period ends.
International availability:
Amazon Prime Video is available in many countries around the world, making it easy for fans outside the United States to watch TNF games. However, the availability of TNF games may vary depending on your location.

Overall, broadcasting TNF games on Amazon Prime Video provides fans with a convenient and accessible way to watch their favorite teams and players on Thursday nights. With a wide range of devices supported, enhanced viewing features, and international availability, Amazon Prime Video has made TNF games more accessible than ever before.

Also on NFL Network and Fox

In addition to Amazon Prime Video, TNF games are also simulcast on NFL Network and Fox. This means that you can watch TNF games on traditional TV channels if you have a cable or satellite subscription.

Wider reach:
NFL Network and Fox have a wider reach than Amazon Prime Video, so simulcasting TNF games on these channels ensures that more fans can watch the games. This is especially important for fans who may not have access to Amazon Prime Video or prefer to watch games on traditional TV.
No additional subscription required:
If you already have a cable or satellite subscription that includes NFL Network and Fox, you can watch TNF games without paying an additional fee. This makes it a more affordable option for fans who may not want to pay for an Amazon Prime subscription.
Familiar viewing experience:
Watching TNF games on NFL Network and Fox provides a familiar viewing experience for fans who are used to watching NFL games on traditional TV channels. These channels offer familiar commentary teams and graphics packages, which can make the viewing experience more enjoyable for some fans.
Limited availability:
While NFL Network and Fox provide wider reach, they may not be available in all areas. Some cable and satellite providers may not offer these channels in their lineup, and some fans may not have access to cable or satellite TV at all. In these cases, Amazon Prime Video may be the only option for watching TNF games.

Overall, simulcasting TNF games on NFL Network and Fox provides fans with more options to watch the games and ensures that a wider audience can enjoy the excitement of Thursday Night Football.

Schedule announced in spring

The NFL releases the TNF schedule in the spring, typically in April or May. This gives fans plenty of time to mark their calendars and plan their viewing parties. The schedule is carefully crafted to feature some of the most anticipated matchups of the season, as well as a mix of divisional and interconference games.

When creating the TNF schedule, the NFL considers a number of factors, including:

Team popularity: The NFL wants to feature teams with large fan bases and national appeal. This helps to ensure that TNF games draw a large audience.
Rivalry matchups: The NFL also tries to schedule rivalry matchups on TNF. These games are always highly anticipated and generate a lot of excitement among fans.
Competitive balance: The NFL aims to create a balanced schedule that features competitive matchups. This helps to ensure that fans are treated to exciting and unpredictable games.
Primetime appeal: The NFL wants to schedule games that will be appealing to viewers in primetime. This means selecting games that feature star players, exciting storylines, and high-scoring potential.

Once the schedule is finalized, it is released to the public and fans can start planning their TNF viewing experience. Some fans may even choose to travel to the game to experience the excitement of Thursday Night Football in person.

The TNF schedule is often subject to change throughout the season. This is because the NFL has the flexibility to move games to different dates or times if necessary. For example, a game may be moved to accommodate a team's travel schedule or to avoid a conflict with another major sporting event.

Anticipated matchups

One of the things that makes TNF so exciting is the anticipated matchups that are often featured on the schedule. These games typically feature some of the best teams and players in the NFL, and they often have major implications for the playoff race.

Rivalry games: TNF is often used to showcase rivalry games between teams with a long history of animosity. These games are always highly anticipated and generate a lot of excitement among fans. Some of the most popular rivalry games that have been featured on TNF include the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots vs. New York Jets, and the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns.
Rematches of big games: The NFL sometimes schedules rematches of big games from the previous season on TNF. This gives fans a chance to see two teams that have already played a memorable game face off again. Some examples of rematch games that have been featured on TNF include the New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams (2021 NFC Championship Game rematch) and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021 Super Bowl rematch).
Matchups between contenders: TNF is also used to showcase matchups between teams that are contenders in their respective conferences. These games often have major implications for the playoff race and can have a big impact on the overall standings. Some examples of contender matchups that have been featured on TNF include the Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals (2021 NFC Divisional Round rematch) and the Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans (2021 AFC Divisional Round rematch).
Primetime debuts: TNF is also a great opportunity for the NFL to showcase its rising stars and new teams. Sometimes, the NFL will schedule a game between two teams that have both had impressive starts to the season or that feature a rookie quarterback or other exciting young player. These games can help to introduce new fans to the NFL and generate excitement for the rest of the season.

Overall, the anticipated matchups on TNF are one of the things that makes it such a popular event among football fans. These games often feature the best teams and players in the NFL, and they can have a major impact on the playoff race. As a result, fans eagerly await the release of the TNF schedule each spring so they can start planning their viewing parties and rooting for their favorite teams.

Flex scheduling possible

The NFL has the flexibility to adjust the TNF schedule throughout the season. This is known as flex scheduling. Flex scheduling allows the NFL to move games to different dates or times if necessary. For example, a game may be moved to accommodate a team's travel schedule or to avoid a conflict with another major sporting event.

Flex scheduling is also used to ensure that the best matchups are featured on TNF. As the season progresses, the NFL may identify certain games that have become more intriguing due to injuries, player performance, or playoff implications. These games may then be moved to TNF to give fans a chance to see the most exciting matchups of the week.

The NFL typically announces flex scheduling decisions a few weeks in advance. This gives fans time to adjust their viewing plans and make sure they don't miss any of the big games. Flex scheduling can sometimes lead to last-minute changes, so it's important for fans to stay up-to-date with the latest schedule information.

Here are some examples of how flex scheduling has been used in the past:

In 2021, the NFL flexed a Week 16 game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots to TNF. This game had major implications for the AFC East division race and was one of the most anticipated games of the season.
In 2020, the NFL flexed a Week 17 game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers to TNF. This game was for the AFC North division title and was ultimately won by the Browns, who clinched a playoff berth with the victory.
In 2019, the NFL flexed a Week 16 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks to TNF. This game was for the NFC West division title and was won by the 49ers, who went on to reach the Super Bowl that season.

Flex scheduling is a valuable tool that the NFL uses to ensure that fans get to see the best possible matchups on TNF. It also allows the NFL to make adjustments to the schedule as needed, which can be helpful for accommodating team travel schedules and avoiding conflicts with other major sporting events.

2023 schedule available

The NFL released the 2023 TNF schedule on May 12, 2023. The schedule features 15 games that will be played on Thursday nights throughout the regular season, from September 8th to December 28th.

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos
Week 5: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals
Week 6: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Week 7: Green Bay Packers at Washington Commanders
Week 8: Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 9: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Week 10: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns
Week 12: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams
Week 13: Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Week 14: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Week 15: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Week 16: Los Angeles Chargers at Indianapolis Colts

The 2023 TNF schedule features a number of exciting matchups, including several divisional rivalries and rematches of big games from the previous season. Some of the most anticipated games on the schedule include:

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (rematch of the 2021 AFC Divisional Round game)
Week 5: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals (rematch of the 2021 NFC Wild Card game)
Week 6: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys (one of the NFL's most heated rivalries)
Week 9: New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (another classic NFC East rivalry)
Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns (a rematch of the 2020 AFC Divisional Round game)
Week 15: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (a rivalry that has produced many memorable games over the years)

Fans can catch all of the TNF games on Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network, and Fox. The games will also be available to stream on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and connected TVs.

Tune in for great football

Thursday Night Football offers fans a unique opportunity to catch some of the best football action during the week. With exclusive matchups, midweek excitement, a primetime showcase, and flexible scheduling, TNF has become a staple of the NFL calendar.

Here are a few reasons why you should tune in to TNF:

Exclusive matchups: TNF games are typically exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, meaning you can't catch them on traditional TV channels. This makes them a must-watch for football fans who want to see some of the best matchups of the week.
Midweek excitement: TNF games provide a midweek dose of football excitement, breaking up the long wait between Sunday games. It's a great way to get your football fix and keep the momentum going throughout the week.
Primetime showcase: TNF games are played in primetime, giving them a special feel and making them a focal point of the week's NFL action. These games often feature some of the league's top teams and players, making them highly anticipated events.
Flexible scheduling: The NFL has the flexibility to adjust the TNF schedule throughout the season. This allows them to move games to different dates or times if necessary, ensuring that the best matchups are showcased on Thursday nights.
Great football: TNF games are typically high-scoring and exciting, with plenty of big plays and dramatic finishes. Fans can expect to see some of the best football players in the world competing at a high level.

Whether you're a fan of the teams playing or just a fan of great football, TNF is sure to have something for you. So tune in on Thursday nights and enjoy the excitement of America's favorite sport.

Here are some additional tips for enjoying TNF:

Gather your friends and family: TNF is a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy some football and camaraderie.
Make some snacks and drinks: No football game is complete without some好吃的 and cold drinks. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand so you can enjoy the game without having to worry about getting up.
Get comfortable: Find a comfortable spot to watch the game and settle in for a few hours of football. You might want to wear your favorite team's jersey or gear to show your support.
Participate in fantasy football: TNF is a great way to get involved in fantasy football. You can set your lineup for the week and then watch the games to see how your players perform.
Enjoy the game! TNF is all about having fun and enjoying the excitement of football. So relax, enjoy the game, and cheer for your favorite team.

FAQ

Have questions about who plays on Thursday Night Football? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 1: What teams play on Thursday Night Football?
Answer: The teams that play on Thursday Night Football are determined by the NFL schedule, which is released in the spring. The schedule typically features a mix of divisional and interconference matchups, as well as some rivalry games.

Question 2: Where can I watch Thursday Night Football?
Answer: Thursday Night Football games are broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network, and Fox. You can also stream the games on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and connected TVs.

Question 3: What time do Thursday Night Football games start?
Answer: Thursday Night Football games typically start at 8:20 PM Eastern Time.

Question 4: How many Thursday Night Football games are there in a season?
Answer: There are 15 Thursday Night Football games in a regular season.

Question 5: Are there any special rules for Thursday Night Football games?
Answer: No, there are no special rules for Thursday Night Football games. The games are played under the same rules as all other NFL games.

Question 6: Can Thursday Night Football games be flexed to other days?
Answer: Yes, Thursday Night Football games can be flexed to other days if necessary. For example, a game may be moved to accommodate a team's travel schedule or to avoid a conflict with another major sporting event.

Question 7: How can I get tickets to Thursday Night Football games?
Answer: Tickets to Thursday Night Football games can be purchased through the NFL's website or through the websites of the teams that are playing.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Thursday Night Football. For more information, please visit the NFL's website.

In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for enjoying Thursday Night Football:

Tips

Here are a few tips for enjoying Thursday Night Football:

Tip 1: Gather your friends and family: TNF is a great opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy some football and camaraderie. You can have a potluck, order takeout, or just snack on some chips and dip while you watch the game.

Tip 2: Make some noise: Cheering for your team is one of the best ways to get into the game. So don't be afraid to make some noise and let your team know you're supporting them. You can also participate in fantasy football or make a friendly wager with your friends to add some extra excitement to the game.

Tip 3: Get comfortable: Find a comfortable spot to watch the game and settle in for a few hours of football. You might want to wear your favorite team's jersey or gear to show your support. If you're watching the game at home, you can also dim the lights and turn up the volume to create a more immersive experience.

Tip 4: Enjoy the game! TNF is all about having fun and enjoying the excitement of football. So relax, enjoy the game, and cheer for your favorite team. Even if your team loses, you can still have a good time watching some great football.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

These are just a few tips for enjoying Thursday Night Football. With a little planning and effort, you can make TNF a weekly tradition that you and your friends and family will look forward to all season long.

Now that you know who plays on Thursday Night Football and how to enjoy the games, you're ready to start planning your TNF viewing parties and cheering for your favorite team.

Conclusion

Thursday Night Football (TNF) is a weekly NFL game that takes place on Thursday nights during the regular season. The games are broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network, and Fox, and they typically feature some of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

The NFL schedule is released in the spring, and it typically includes 15 TNF games. The schedule is carefully crafted to feature a mix of divisional and interconference matchups, as well as some rivalry games. The NFL also has the flexibility to adjust the TNF schedule throughout the season if necessary.

TNF games are a great way to get your football fix during the week. They offer exclusive matchups, midweek excitement, a primetime showcase, and flexible scheduling. Fans can also enjoy the games from the comfort of their own homes or at a bar or restaurant with friends and family.