Yes, you can watch Thursday Night Football on DirecTV. The primary channel for Thursday Night Football on DirecTV is the NFL Network, and in select instances, it may also be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video or FOX, which are typically available through DirecTV packages. This guide will walk you through exactly how to catch all the Thursday night action with your DirecTV service. We’ll cover which channels are essential, what packages you might need, and alternatives if your current setup doesn’t include the necessary broadcasts.
For many football fans, Thursday Night Football is a weekly highlight. It kicks off the NFL weekend and often features exciting matchups. If you’re a DirecTV subscriber, you’re likely wondering about the best ways to ensure you don’t miss a single pass, tackle, or touchdown. This comprehensive guide is designed to give you all the information you need to watch NFL games on DirecTV, with a special focus on Thursday Night Football.
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Decoding DirecTV’s Thursday Night Football Broadcasts
The broadcast rights for Thursday Night Football have shifted over the years, and it’s important to know where to tune in each week. While the NFL Network has been a consistent home for these games, Amazon Prime Video has also become a significant player. For DirecTV customers, this means ensuring you have access to the right channels and potentially streaming services.
The NFL Network: Your Go-To Channel
The NFL Network is the cornerstone for many DirecTV NFL games, especially on Thursdays. This dedicated channel provides extensive coverage of the National Football League, including live games, analysis, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Availability: The NFL Network is generally included in most mid-tier and premium DirecTV packages. If you have a basic package, you might need to upgrade to access it.
- Channel Numbers: Channel numbers can vary slightly depending on your location and specific DirecTV package, but it’s commonly found in the 212-214 range. Always check your DirecTV channel guide for the most accurate number.
- Importance for Thursday Night Football: For a significant portion of the Thursday Night Football channel broadcasts, the NFL Network is the primary broadcaster. This makes having access to it crucial for enjoying these games.
Amazon Prime Video: A Growing Presence
In recent years, Amazon Prime Video has secured exclusive rights to a portion of Thursday Night Football games. This introduces a new layer of complexity for DirecTV subscribers who want to watch streaming Thursday Night Football.
- How to Access: To watch games broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, you will need an Amazon Prime subscription. You can then access these games through the Prime Video app or website.
- DirecTV Integration: DirecTV does not directly broadcast Amazon Prime Video content. You will need a separate internet connection and an eligible device (smart TV, streaming stick, computer, tablet, or smartphone) to stream these games.
- Checking the Schedule: It is essential to check the Thursday night football schedule each week to see which games are exclusively on Amazon Prime Video versus those that might also be on the NFL Network or FOX.
FOX Broadcasts: Occasional Premier Matchups
FOX also carries some high-profile Thursday Night Football games, particularly those that are considered major national matchups.
- Availability: FOX is a local affiliate channel and is typically available in most DirecTV packages, especially those that include local channels.
- DirecTV Football Channels: Ensure your DirecTV package includes your local FOX affiliate. The channel number will depend on your geographical location.
- Cross-Platform Viewing: Sometimes, games broadcast on FOX might also be available on the NFL Network or through streaming services, offering multiple ways to watch NFL on DirecTV.
DirecTV Packages and Thursday Night Football Access
Your ability to watch Thursday Night Football directly depends on the DirecTV package you subscribe to. Here’s a breakdown of how different packages typically align with access to the necessary channels.
Standard Packages and NFL Network
- Most standard DirecTV packages, such as the DirecTV Entertainment Package or similar tiers, usually include the NFL Network. This is often sufficient for watching the majority of Thursday Night Football games broadcast on that channel.
- These packages also typically provide access to local channels like FOX, which may carry some of the marquee Thursday night matchups.
Premium Packages and Enhanced Access
- For the most comprehensive DirecTV NFL experience, premium packages often provide additional sports channels that might be relevant. While not directly tied to Thursday Night Football, they demonstrate a broader commitment to sports viewing.
- It’s always a good idea to review the channel list for your specific DirecTV package to confirm that the NFL Network is included.
What About NFL Sunday Ticket?
It’s important to clarify that NFL Sunday Ticket, while an exceptional service for out-of-market Sunday games, does not typically include Thursday Night Football. Thursday Night Football is broadcast on specific national channels (NFL Network, FOX, and Amazon Prime Video), which are usually accessible through standard DirecTV packages or separate subscriptions. NFL Sunday Ticket focuses on the Sunday afternoon games.
Navigating Thursday Night Football Schedules with DirecTV
Knowing when and where to watch is key. The Thursday night football schedule can change slightly from week to week, with different broadcast partners taking precedence.
How to Find the Schedule
- NFL Official Website: The NFL’s official website is the most reliable source for the weekly schedule, detailing which channel each game will be on.
- DirecTV Channel Guide: Your DirecTV receiver’s on-screen guide will also list upcoming games and the channels they are scheduled to air on. You can often filter by sport to see all football games.
- Sports News Websites and Apps: Reputable sports news outlets provide up-to-date schedules for all NFL games.
Example Scenario
Let’s say a particular Thursday night game is scheduled for broadcast:
- Scenario A: The game is on NFL Network. If you have a DirecTV package that includes the NFL Network, you can tune into the designated channel (e.g., Channel 212) to watch.
- Scenario B: The game is exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. You will need an Amazon Prime subscription and a compatible device to stream it. DirecTV itself won’t provide this game.
- Scenario C: The game is on FOX. You’ll need to ensure your DirecTV package includes your local FOX affiliate and tune into that channel.
Alternatives and Streaming Options for DirecTV Subscribers
If your DirecTV package doesn’t include the necessary channels, or if you’re looking for flexibility, there are alternative ways to catch Thursday Night Football.
Streaming Thursday Night Football Directly
- NFL+: The NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+, allows subscribers to watch live local and prime-time games on mobile devices. This includes Thursday Night Football games broadcast on local affiliates or national networks.
- Amazon Prime Video: As mentioned, a Prime subscription is required for games exclusively on this platform.
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV: These live TV streaming services often carry the NFL Network and FOX. If you’re considering cutting the cord or supplementing your DirecTV service, these can be good options. They allow you to watch NFL on DirecTV satellite broadcasts alongside these streaming alternatives.
- Fox Sports App: For games broadcast on FOX, you might be able to stream them through the Fox Sports app if you log in with your DirecTV credentials.
Upgrading Your DirecTV Package
If you’re a dedicated football fan, the simplest solution might be to upgrade your DirecTV package to include the NFL Network and ensure you have access to local FOX channels. Contacting DirecTV customer service can help you explore package options and potential upgrades. This ensures you can watch NFL on DirecTV without relying on separate streaming services for games broadcast on traditional cable.
DirecTV and NFL on Satellite TV
DirecTV has a long-standing history of providing NFL content through its satellite service. For many years, NFL Sunday Ticket was synonymous with DirecTV, offering unparalleled access to games. While Thursday Night Football has its own broadcast nuances, DirecTV remains a primary provider for many of these games through the NFL Network.
- Satellite Advantage: For those in areas with spotty internet, NFL on satellite TV through DirecTV offers a reliable way to catch games, provided you have the correct package. The satellite signal is less susceptible to internet outages that can disrupt streaming.
- Bundling Opportunities: Sometimes, DirecTV might offer promotions or bundles that include premium sports channels, making it more cost-effective to gain access to the NFL Network and other sports-related content.
Key Takeaways for DirecTV Customers
To ensure you don’t miss a single DirecTV NFL game on Thursday nights:
- Confirm NFL Network Access: Make sure your DirecTV package includes the NFL Network. Check your channel lineup or contact DirecTV if you’re unsure.
- Stay Informed on Broadcasts: Always check the Thursday night football schedule to know which channel each game will be on (NFL Network, FOX, or Amazon Prime Video).
- Amazon Prime Video: If games are exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, you’ll need a separate Prime subscription and a compatible device.
- Local Channels: Ensure your DirecTV package includes your local FOX affiliate for games broadcast on that network.
- NFL Sunday Ticket: Remember that NFL Sunday Ticket is primarily for Sunday games and does not cover Thursday Night Football broadcasts.
By following this guide, DirecTV subscribers can confidently navigate the world of Thursday Night Football and enjoy every exciting moment of the NFL season. Whether it’s through the NFL Network, your local FOX affiliate, or by complementing your service with other streaming options, you’ll be well-equipped to watch NFL on DirecTV throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I watch all Thursday Night Football games on DirecTV?
A: Not necessarily all. While DirecTV provides access to the NFL Network, which broadcasts many Thursday Night Football games, some games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video. You’ll need a separate Amazon Prime subscription for those.
Q2: What channel is Thursday Night Football on DirecTV?
A: The primary channel for Thursday Night Football on DirecTV is the NFL Network (typically channels 212-214). Some games may also air on your local FOX channel, which is also part of most DirecTV packages.
Q3: Do I need NFL Sunday Ticket to watch Thursday Night Football on DirecTV?
A: No, NFL Sunday Ticket is not required to watch Thursday Night Football. NFL Sunday Ticket is for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Thursday Night Football games are broadcast on national channels like the NFL Network and FOX, which are generally available in standard DirecTV packages.
Q4: How do I watch Thursday Night Football if it’s on Amazon Prime Video?
A: If a Thursday Night Football game is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, you will need an active Amazon Prime subscription. You can then watch the game through the Prime Video app on smart TVs, streaming devices, computers, or mobile phones. DirecTV does not directly provide access to Amazon Prime Video content.
Q5: What if I don’t have the NFL Network with my current DirecTV package?
A: If your current DirecTV package does not include the NFL Network, you will need to upgrade your subscription to a package that does. Contact DirecTV customer service to discuss your options for adding the NFL Network and ensure you can watch NFL on DirecTV.
Q6: Are Thursday Night Football games available in Spanish on DirecTV?
A: Some DirecTV NFL games, including potentially some Thursday Night Football broadcasts, may offer alternate audio channels for Spanish commentary. You can usually access this by changing the audio settings on your DirecTV receiver. Check your DirecTV guide for specific game details.
Q7: Does DirecTV Stream include Thursday Night Football?
A: Yes, DirecTV Stream, DirecTV’s live TV streaming service, typically includes the NFL Network and local FOX channels, allowing you to watch many Thursday Night Football games. You would need to subscribe to a DirecTV Stream package that carries these channels.