What Time Does Thursday Night Football Start Tonight?

By Emma Wilson · January 22, 2028

Thursday Night Football typically starts at 8:15 PM ET (7:15 PM CT, 5:15 PM PT) on Thursdays during the NFL season. The exact start time may vary slightly depending on the network broadcast schedule or special events, but most games air live on Amazon Prime Video, with pre-game coverage beginning around 7:30 PM ET.

What Time Does Thursday Night Football Start Tonight?

If you're tuning in to watch Thursday Night Football tonight, expect kickoff at 8:15 PM Eastern Time. This has been the standard start time since the NFL moved its weekly prime-time game to Amazon Prime Video in 2022. While occasional variations occur due to scheduling conflicts or international games, 8:15 PM ET is consistent for most regular-season matchups.

Key Details About Kickoff Time

Standard start time: 8:15 PM ET
Pre-game show begins: ~7:30 PM ET
Broadcast network: Amazon Prime Video (exclusive)
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Time zones: 7:15 PM CT, 6:15 PM MT, 5:15 PM PT

NFL Thursday Night Schedule Overview

The Thursday Night Football series is a weekly fixture in the National Football League (NFL) season, traditionally following Sunday and Monday games. These midweek matchups are designed to extend fan engagement and provide additional content across digital and streaming platforms.

When Are Thursday Night Games Played?

Games usually take place from early September through mid-January, aligning with the NFL regular season. There are generally 16–17 Thursday night games per season, excluding weeks 1 and the final week of the season, which are typically reserved for Sunday broadcasts.

Date	Matchup	Kickoff Time (ET)	Broadcaster
Oct 3, 2024	Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video
Oct 10, 2024	Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video
Oct 17, 2024	Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video
Oct 24, 2024	San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video
Oct 31, 2024	Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video
Nov 7, 2024	Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video
Nov 14, 2024	Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video

Table data source:1, 2

The data confirms that all listed Thursday Night Football games in the 2024 season begin at 8:15 PM ET, reinforcing the consistency of the current broadcast model. Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive streaming rights, eliminating over-the-air delays or alternate start times seen in previous years.

How to Watch Thursday Night Football

Since 2022, Thursday Night Football has been exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video, requiring a subscription. Unlike traditional cable broadcasts, this shift emphasizes digital access and global reach.

Viewing Options by Device

Smart TVs: Install Prime Video app on Samsung, LG, Vizio, etc.
Streaming Devices: Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast
Mobile: iOS and Android apps available
Web: Watch via browser at amazon.com/primetv

Note: A free trial of Amazon Prime may allow one-time viewing without commitment.

Why the 8:15 PM ET Start Time?

The 8:15 PM ET kickoff balances prime-time television viewership with logistical needs. Starting too early risks lower viewership after work hours; starting later reduces West Coast audience participation. The slot also avoids conflict with college football and local news programming.

Allows full stadium setup and pre-game ceremonies
Aligns with advertising and broadcast partner expectations
Optimizes social media engagement during peak usage hours

Common Questions About Thursday Night Football

What time does Thursday Night Football start in Central Time?

Thursday Night Football starts at 7:15 PM Central Time, which is one hour behind Eastern Time.

Is Thursday Night Football still on TV or only online?

As of 2024, Thursday Night Football is exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video and not available on traditional cable TV networks.

Can I watch Thursday Night Football for free?

You can watch with a free Amazon Prime trial. Otherwise, a Prime membership ($14.99/month) is required to stream the game on Prime Video.

Does every NFL team play on Thursday Night Football?

No. Each team plays no more than two prime-time games per season, including Sunday and Monday nights. Not all teams appear on Thursday nights annually.

Are there any Thursday Night Football games after Week 18?

No. The NFL does not schedule Thursday Night Football games during the postseason or Super Bowl week. The last regular-season game is typically in Week 17 or 18.