What Channel Is Thursday Night Football on DIRECTV?

By Emma Wilson · July 8, 2028

Thursday Night Football is broadcast on NFL Network and can be watched on DIRECTV via channel 714 (SD) or 724 (HD). Additionally, select games are simulcast on Amazon Prime Video and Twitch.

How to Watch Thursday Night Football on DIRECTV

If you're a DIRECTV subscriber eager to catch every Thursday Night Football game, you'll find the primary broadcast on NFL Network. This channel is available in most DIRECTV packages, ensuring fans can access live NFL action weekly during the season.

Channel Numbers for Thursday Night Football

The following channels carry NFL Network on DIRECTV:

Channel 714 – NFL Network (Standard Definition)
Channel 724 – NFL Network HD (High Definition)

In addition to traditional broadcasting, select Thursday Night Football games are streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, especially since Amazon secured exclusive rights starting in 2022. However, NFL Network still airs some games, particularly early in the season or when simulcasting with Amazon.

Understanding the Thursday Night Football Broadcast Rights

The broadcasting landscape for Thursday Night Football has evolved significantly. Once aired across multiple networks like CBS, NBC, and NFL Network, the league transitioned to a streaming-first model with Amazon Prime Video as the exclusive home for all Thursday Night Football games beginning in the 2022 season.

Despite this shift, NFL Network continues to simulcast certain games, especially those not designated as Amazon-exclusive. This arrangement allows cable subscribers, including DIRECTV users, to maintain access through traditional TV platforms.

Key Broadcast Partners (2022–2025)

Amazon Prime Video – Exclusive streaming home for most TNF games
NFL Network – Simulcasts select games; available on DIRECTV
Twitch – Free live stream option via Prime Video integration
DIRECTV – Carries NFL Network but does not host standalone TNF broadcasts

Year	Broadcast Partner	Platform Type	Exclusive?	Available on DIRECTV?
2025	Amazon Prime Video	Streaming	Yes	No (standalone)
2024	Amazon Prime Video	Streaming	Yes	No (standalone)
2023	Amazon Prime Video / NFL Network	Streaming & Cable	Partial	Yes (via NFL Network simulcast)
2022	Amazon Prime Video / NFL Network	Streaming & Cable	Partial	Yes (simulcast only)
2021	CBS / NFL Network / Amazon	Broadcast & Streaming	No	Yes

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows a clear transition from multi-network simulcasts to a centralized streaming model led by Amazon. While DIRECTV remains a viable option through NFL Network, full access to all games now requires a Prime subscription. The 2023 and 2022 seasons marked hybrid availability, allowing cable viewers partial access via simulcasts.

Alternative Ways to Watch Thursday Night Football

While DIRECTV provides access through NFL Network, fans have several other options to enjoy Thursday Night Football:

Amazon Prime Video – Full access to all games with a Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year)
Twitch – Free live stream integrated with Prime Video; requires login
NFL+ App – Mobile and tablet streaming; premium tier includes live local and primetime games
FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV – Live TV streaming services that carry NFL Network and sometimes Amazon simulcasts

Note: DIRECTV Stream (the internet-based version of DIRECTV) also includes NFL Network but does not offer standalone Amazon Prime Video integration.

About Thursday Night Football on DIRECTV: Common Questions

What channel is Thursday Night Football on DIRECTV?

Thursday Night Football airs on NFL Network, which is available on DIRECTV channel 714 (SD) or 724 (HD). Not all games are televised here, as Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive rights to most matchups.

Do I need Amazon Prime to watch Thursday Night Football?

Yes, to watch every Thursday Night Football game, you need an Amazon Prime membership. Starting in 2022, Amazon became the exclusive broadcaster, though some games are still simulcast on NFL Network.

Can I watch Thursday Night Football on DIRECTV without NFL Network?

No. If your DIRECTV package does not include NFL Network, you won’t be able to watch Thursday Night Football through DIRECTV. You’ll need to subscribe to a package that includes NFL Network or use Amazon Prime Video.

Is Thursday Night Football free on any platform?

While Amazon Prime isn’t free, you can access a 30-day free trial. Additionally, Twitch streams the games live for free with a login, powered by Prime Video’s broadcast feed.

Will all 2025 Thursday Night Football games be on DIRECTV?

No. Only select games will appear on NFL Network via DIRECTV. Most 2025 Thursday Night Football games will be exclusive to Amazon Prime Video and unavailable on traditional TV unless separately arranged by the NFL.