Thursday Night Football Start Time 2025

By Sarah Miller · January 18, 2048

The Thursday Night Football game typically starts at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET) and airs live on Prime Video, NFL Network, and Twitch. Kickoff times may vary slightly depending on the week or special scheduling, but 8:15 PM ET is the standard start time for the 2024 and 2025 NFL seasons.

What Is Thursday Night Football?

Thursday Night Football (TNF) is a weekly primetime game series in the National Football League (NFL), traditionally held on Thursdays during the regular season. Since 2022, Amazon Prime Video has held exclusive streaming rights in the U.S., making it the primary platform for viewing TNF games.

Key Features of TNF

Weekly NFL game broadcast every Thursday night during the regular season
Airings begin in September and continue through early January
Games are played by different teams each week, often featuring playoff contenders
Pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage included on Prime Video

When Does Thursday Night Football Start?

The official kickoff time for most Thursday Night Football games is 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET). This start time allows for national broadcast consistency across time zones.

Start Times by Time Zone

Eastern Time (ET): 8:15 PM
Central Time (CT): 7:15 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 6:15 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 5:15 PM

Note: Occasionally, special events like international games or holiday matchups may shift the start time, but these are rare exceptions.

Where to Watch Thursday Night Football

As of the 2024 and 2025 NFL seasons, Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive national rights to stream Thursday Night Football games in the United States.

Viewing Options

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (requires Prime membership)
TV Broadcast: Select games simulcast on NFL Network
Free Access: Some games available via Twitch (via Prime-linked account)
International: NFL Game Pass, DAZN (in select countries)

2025 Thursday Night Football Schedule Overview

The 2025 TNF schedule follows a similar structure to previous years, with games scheduled from Week 2 through Week 17 of the NFL regular season. Each week features one nationally televised matchup.

Week	Date	Matchup	Location	Kickoff Time (ET)
2	Sept 19, 2025	Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants	Arlington, TX	8:15 PM
4	Oct 3, 2025	Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers	Kansas City, MO	8:15 PM
6	Oct 17, 2025	Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers	Baltimore, MD	8:15 PM
8	Oct 31, 2025	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	Santa Clara, CA	8:15 PM
10	Nov 14, 2025	Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins	Orchard Park, NY	8:15 PM
12	Nov 28, 2025	Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears	Detroit, MI	8:15 PM
14	Dec 12, 2025	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders	Philadelphia, PA	8:15 PM
16	Jan 2, 2026	Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals	Cleveland, OH	8:15 PM

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows consistent 8:15 PM ET kickoffs across multiple weeks and high-profile rivalries. These matchups are strategically selected to maximize viewership and competitive excitement. The inclusion of divisional rivals highlights the NFL’s focus on storytelling and fan engagement during primetime slots.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thursday Night Football

What time does Thursday Night Football start in 2025?

Thursday Night Football games in 2025 typically start at 8:15 PM Eastern Time (ET). This is the standard kickoff time for all nationally televised TNF games on Amazon Prime Video.

Is Thursday Night Football free to watch?

No, you need an Amazon Prime membership to stream Thursday Night Football on Prime Video. However, select games may be available for free on Twitch when linked to a Prime account. NFL Network broadcasts may be accessible through certain cable subscriptions.

Can I watch Thursday Night Football outside the United States?

Yes, international fans can watch TNF via DAZN in over 200 countries or through NFL Game Pass International. DAZN offers live streaming with local commentary options in select regions.

Why does Thursday Night Football sometimes start at 8:20 or 8:25 PM?

Minor delays in kickoff (e.g., 8:20 or 8:25 PM ET) occur due to pre-game ceremonies, national anthem performances, or broadcast transitions. The league targets 8:15 PM ET, but actual gameplay often begins a few minutes later.

Are all NFL games on Thursdays part of Thursday Night Football?

Most Thursday games are part of TNF, but the NFL occasionally schedules Thanksgiving doubleheaders or flexible late-season games that may not fall under the TNF branding. All regular Thursday games are still nationally televised.