What Channel Is Thursday Night Football on DISH?

By Sarah Miller · May 12, 2035

Thursday Night Football is broadcast on FOX and streamed on NFL+, with select games available on Amazon Prime Video. For DISH Network subscribers, the primary channel is FOX (channel 5 or local affiliate), while ESPN and NFL Network may carry related pregame shows and alternate broadcasts.

Where to Watch Thursday Night Football on DISH

DISH Network provides comprehensive access to Thursday Night Football games through major broadcast and sports networks. As of the 2025 NFL season, the primary broadcaster for Thursday Night Football is FOX, which is widely available across all DISH packages.

Primary Channels for Thursday Night Football

FOX (Channel 5 or local affiliate): Main broadcaster for most TNF games
NFL Network (Channel 154): Airs select exclusive games and replays
Amazon Prime Video (via streaming): Exclusive national broadcasts; accessible through DISH-compatible devices
ESPN (Channel 140): Carries pregame coverage and occasional crossover programming

How to Find Thursday Night Football on DISH

Finding Thursday Night Football on your DISH lineup is straightforward if you know the correct channels and scheduling patterns. Below are common questions and solutions:

Step-by-Step Guide to Locating the Game

Check the official NFL schedule: Confirm if the game is on FOX, NFL Network, or Amazon Prime.
Tune to FOX (DISH channel 5 in most areas) at 8:15 PM ET.
If the game is Amazon-exclusive, use a streaming device (Fire TV, Roku, etc.) linked to your Prime account.
Use the DISH Hopper’s built-in guide to search “Thursday Night Football”.
Enable alerts via the DISH Anywhere app for game reminders.

Broadcast Rights and Network Coverage

The distribution of Thursday Night Football has evolved significantly since 2022, when Amazon secured exclusive rights to a portion of the weekly games. However, FOX remains the over-the-air home for most Thursday matchups.

Year	Broadcaster	Exclusive Games	DISH Channel	Streaming Option
2022	FOX, NFLN	0	5, 154	NFL+ App
2023	FOX, Amazon	15	5, (Prime)	Prime Video
2024	FOX, Amazon	16	5, (Prime)	Prime Video
2025	FOX, Amazon	17	5, (Prime)	Prime Video

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a steady increase in Amazon Prime Video-exclusive Thursday Night Football games, rising from 15 in 2023 to 17 in 2025. While FOX continues to air the majority of games on DISH (channel 5), cord-cutters and hybrid viewers increasingly rely on Prime Video for full access. DISH users must integrate streaming platforms for complete coverage.

Alternative Viewing Options

For viewers who want flexibility, several alternatives exist beyond traditional DISH channel lineups:

NFL+ App: Offers live local and primetime games, including Thursday Night Football, on mobile and tablet devices.
DISH Anywhere App: Stream FOX and NFL Network live on smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Amazon Fire Stick: Plug into your TV to access Prime Video’s exclusive TNF broadcasts.
Sling TV & YouTube TV: Alternative live TV services that carry FOX and NFL Network.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thursday Night Football on DISH

What channel is Thursday Night Football on DISH?

Most Thursday Night Football games are on FOX, which is typically channel 5 on DISH Network. Check your local listing as some markets may vary. For Amazon-exclusive games, streaming via Prime Video is required.

Is Thursday Night Football on DISH every week?

Yes, DISH carries all nationally televised Thursday Night Football games either through FOX, NFL Network, or via integration with streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video for exclusive broadcasts.

Why can’t I find Thursday Night Football on DISH this week?

If the game is an Amazon Prime Video exclusive, it won’t air on traditional DISH channels. You’ll need to stream it using a compatible device linked to your Amazon account. Also, verify the game time and blackout restrictions in your area.

Does NFL Network on DISH show Thursday Night Football?

Yes, NFL Network (channel 154) airs select Thursday Night Football games, especially early in the season or during special events. However, most games now air on FOX or Amazon Prime Video.

Can I record Thursday Night Football on DISH?

Yes, use your DISH Hopper or Wally DVR to record games airing on FOX or NFL Network. For Amazon-exclusive games, recording must be done through the Prime Video app on compatible devices.