The thrill of Thursday Night Football is a tradition many NFL fans eagerly anticipate each week. For those looking to catch the action, understanding the schedule and kickoff times is essential. Thursday Night Football typically kicks off at 8:20 PM ET, but this can vary slightly depending on the broadcasting network and any special events or holidays that might affect the schedule.
Understanding the Schedule
- Regular Season: During the regular season, Thursday Night Football games are usually scheduled for 8:20 PM ET. However, the NFL sometimes adjusts the schedule for Thanksgiving Day games or other special occasions.
- Preseason: In the preseason, the timing can be more flexible, with games potentially starting earlier or later than the regular season kickoff time.
- Playoffs: Once the playoffs begin, the NFL often adjusts schedules to accommodate more viewers and to fit the broadcasting schedules of the partnering networks.
Broadcasting and Streaming
Thursday Night Football is broadcast on various networks, including FOX, NFL Network, and Amazon Prime Video. The broadcasting rights can affect the kickoff time, especially when Amazon Prime takes over the broadcasts later in the season.
- FOX and NFL Network: These traditional broadcasters usually stick to the 8:20 PM ET kickoff for their Thursday Night Football games.
- Amazon Prime Video: Games broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video also generally follow the 8:20 PM ET start time, offering fans a consistent viewing schedule across different platforms.
Adjustments for Holidays and Special Events
On certain holidays, such as Thanksgiving Day, the NFL schedules games at different times to maximize viewing audiences. For example, on Thanksgiving, there are typically three games: one in the morning (around 12:30 PM ET), one in the afternoon (around 4:30 PM ET), and a third in the evening (around 8:20 PM ET).
How to Stay Updated
Given the potential variations in kickoff times, especially during holidays or special events, it’s crucial for fans to stay informed:
- NFL Official Website and App: The NFL’s official website and mobile app provide the most current and detailed schedule information, including kickoff times and broadcasting networks.
- Team Websites: Following your favorite team’s website or social media can also keep you updated on their schedule, including any Thursday Night Football appearances.
- Sports News Outlets: Major sports news outlets and networks often cover schedule changes and provide analysis on upcoming games.
Conclusion
Thursday Night Football offers an exciting mid-week break for NFL enthusiasts, with games typically kicking off at 8:20 PM ET. However, it’s always a good idea to check the latest schedules, especially around holidays or special events, to ensure you catch your favorite teams in action. Whether you’re watching on traditional television, streaming through Amazon Prime, or following along on the NFL app, being prepared with the correct kickoff time enhances your viewing experience.
