Can you watch Thursday Night Football on DirecTV? Yes, you absolutely can! DirecTV offers robust options to ensure you don’t miss a single snap of the NFL action every Thursday night. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to catch all the Thursday Night Football games live.
Watching football on TV has become a national pastime, and Thursday nights are a special event for NFL fans. With the ever-changing landscape of sports broadcasting, figuring out where to tune in can sometimes be a puzzle. But for DirecTV subscribers, the path to enjoying Thursday Night Football is straightforward and accessible. We’ll explore your primary viewing options, including essential channels and packages that bring the thrill of live sports directly to your living room.
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Your Primary DirecTV Channels for Thursday Night Football
DirecTV is a major player in delivering live sports, and Thursday Night Football is a cornerstone of its NFL broadcast offerings. The primary channels you’ll rely on depend on where the game is being broadcast.
NFL Network: The Home of Thursday Night Football
The NFL Network is a crucial destination for Thursday Night Football schedule updates and, most importantly, for watching many of the games. This dedicated channel provides an in-depth look at all things NFL, including analysis, interviews, and of course, live game coverage.
- What is NFL Network? The NFL Network is a 24/7 sports channel dedicated entirely to the National Football League. It offers exclusive content, including game replays, classic games, player profiles, and breaking news.
- Is NFL Network Included with DirecTV? Yes, the NFL Network is generally included in most standard DirecTV satellite packages. However, to be absolutely sure, it’s always best to check your specific subscription details. Most basic and sports-oriented packages will have it.
FOX and Amazon Prime Video: Sharing the Broadcast Rights
In recent years, Thursday Night Football has seen a shift in broadcasting partners. While the NFL Network is still a key player, other networks and streaming services also share the rights. This means that the NFL broadcast you want to watch might appear on different platforms.
- FOX Broadcasts: Certain Thursday Night Football games are broadcast on the FOX network. If you have DirecTV, you will have access to local FOX affiliates in your area as part of your standard package. This ensures you can watch games broadcast on FOX without needing any special subscriptions beyond your basic DirecTV service.
- Amazon Prime Video Exclusives: Some of the Thursday Night Football schedule games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video. While this is a streaming service and not a traditional DirecTV channel, it’s a significant part of the NFL broadcast ecosystem. We’ll discuss how DirecTV subscribers can access these streaming options later in the guide.
Accessing Thursday Night Football Through Your DirecTV Subscription
DirecTV offers several ways to ensure you have access to Thursday Night Football. Your subscription level and any additional sports packages you might have will determine your access.
Standard DirecTV Packages and Channels
Most of DirecTV’s standard satellite TV packages include the NFL Network. This means that if you have a basic or mid-tier package, you are likely already set to watch NFL games on Thursday Night Football when they air on the NFL Network.
- What to Look For: When reviewing your DirecTV package, check if it includes sports channels, specifically sports news and dedicated NFL channels. The NFL Network is usually bundled with other sports channels like ESPN and Fox Sports.
The Power of NFL Sunday Ticket (and its relation to Thursday)
While NFL Sunday Ticket is primarily focused on Sunday games, it’s worth mentioning in the context of comprehensive NFL coverage on DirecTV.
- What is NFL Sunday Ticket? NFL Sunday Ticket is a premium subscription service offered exclusively through DirecTV that allows subscribers to watch out-of-market NFL games on Sundays.
- Does NFL Sunday Ticket Cover Thursday Night Football? NFL Sunday Ticket itself does not include Thursday Night Football games. Thursday Night Football is broadcast on different channels and platforms. However, having NFL Sunday Ticket signifies a commitment to premium NFL viewing, and DirecTV’s standard packages usually cover the Thursday games on NFL Network and local FOX.
Upgrading Your DirecTV Sports Package
If your current DirecTV package doesn’t include the NFL Network, or if you’re looking to enhance your overall sports viewing experience, upgrading your sports packages is a viable option.
- Bundled Sports Channels: DirecTV offers various sports bundles that can add a multitude of sports channels to your subscription. These bundles often include the NFL Network along with other popular sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports Network, and more.
- Checking Your Subscription: Log in to your DirecTV account online or contact customer service to see which sports packages are available to you and what they include. This is the most direct way to confirm your access to the NFL Network.
Navigating Streaming Options for Thursday Night Football
The modern era of sports broadcasting involves a significant increase in streaming options. For Thursday Night Football, this is particularly true due to Amazon Prime Video’s involvement.
Amazon Prime Video and Thursday Night Football
As mentioned, a portion of the Thursday Night Football schedule is exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video. This means that even with a comprehensive DirecTV package, you might need an Amazon Prime subscription to catch certain games.
- How to Watch with DirecTV and Amazon Prime: If you have DirecTV and want to watch the games exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, you’ll need an active Amazon Prime membership. You can then access the games through the Prime Video app on smart TVs, streaming devices (like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), gaming consoles, or by visiting the Prime Video website.
- Can DirecTV Stream Amazon Prime Video? DirecTV does not directly stream Amazon Prime Video content through its satellite service. However, many DirecTV Genie receivers and other supported devices can download and run the Amazon Prime Video app, allowing you to switch between your live TV channels and streaming content seamlessly.
DirecTV Stream: A Hybrid Approach
DirecTV also offers a streaming service called DirecTV Stream. This platform provides live TV channels over the internet, mimicking the experience of satellite TV but without the need for a satellite dish.
- DirecTV Stream Packages: DirecTV Stream offers various packages, many of which include the NFL Network and local FOX channels. If you’re a cord-cutter or prefer internet-based TV, DirecTV Stream can be an excellent way to watch NFL games, including Thursday Night Football.
- Accessing Streaming Options on DirecTV Stream: With DirecTV Stream, you can watch Thursday Night Football directly through the DirecTV Stream app on compatible devices. This provides a unified experience for both live TV and on-demand content.
Understanding the Thursday Night Football Schedule
The Thursday Night Football schedule can vary from week to week, and knowing which channel a game will be on is key to ensuring you don’t miss out.
Key Dates and Broadcast Changes
- Early Season: In the earlier part of the NFL season, you’ll often find Thursday Night Football games on the NFL Network and local FOX affiliates.
- Mid-Season and Late Season: As the season progresses, games might shift exclusively to other platforms like Amazon Prime Video or continue to be shared between FOX and the NFL Network.
- Checking Your Local Listings: It’s always advisable to check your local DirecTV channel listings or the official NFL website for the most up-to-date Thursday Night Football schedule. This will tell you exactly which DirecTV channel or streaming option will be broadcasting the game you want to watch.
Where to Find the Schedule Information:
- NFL.com: The official NFL website is an excellent resource for the complete Thursday Night Football schedule.
- DirecTV Channel Guide: Your DirecTV receiver’s on-screen guide will provide daily and weekly schedules, often with channel information.
- Sports Apps and Websites: Major sports news outlets and apps (e.g., ESPN, Yahoo Sports) also publish the weekly NFL schedule.
Maximizing Your Football Viewing Experience with DirecTV
Beyond just Thursday nights, DirecTV offers a comprehensive way to watch NFL games throughout the week.
Beyond Thursday: Your Full NFL Viewing Options
- Sunday Games: As discussed, NFL Sunday Ticket is your go-to for out-of-market Sunday games. For in-market games, your local CBS and FOX channels, included in most DirecTV packages, will broadcast them.
- Monday Night Football: Monday Night Football is typically broadcast on ESPN and ABC. DirecTV subscribers with packages that include these channels can watch these games live.
- Saturday Games: Depending on the time of year, some Saturday games might be broadcast on the NFL Network or other sports channels available through DirecTV.
Sports Packages for the Avid Fan
If you’re a serious football fan, investing in a premium sports package from DirecTV can significantly enhance your ability to watch NFL games.
- What’s Typically Included: These packages often include the NFL Network, ESPN, Fox Sports 1 & 2, CBS Sports Network, and other channels catering to various sports.
- Benefits of Bundles: Bundling channels is often more cost-effective than subscribing to individual sports channels. It also simplifies your subscription, ensuring you have access to a wide array of live sports.
Using Your DirecTV Equipment for Sports
Your DirecTV equipment is designed to provide a high-quality viewing experience for live sports.
- HD Viewing: Most DirecTV packages and games are broadcast in high definition (HD), offering crisp and clear visuals that are essential for enjoying the fast-paced action of football.
- DVR Capabilities: If you have a DirecTV DVR (like the Genie DVR), you can record Thursday Night Football games to watch later, especially if you can’t tune in live. This is a fantastic way to catch up on games without missing any of the action.
Troubleshooting Common Viewing Issues
Occasionally, you might encounter issues while trying to watch NFL games on DirecTV. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.
Signal and Channel Issues
- Check Your Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected to your DirecTV receiver and television.
- Reboot Your Receiver: Sometimes, a simple restart of your DirecTV box can resolve temporary glitches. Unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Weather Interference: Severe weather can sometimes affect satellite signals. If you suspect this, wait for the weather to clear.
- Channel Not Available: If a specific DirecTV channel is not appearing, verify that it’s included in your current package. You may need to upgrade your sports packages.
Streaming and Internet Connectivity Problems
If you’re trying to watch through streaming options like Amazon Prime Video or DirecTV Stream:
- Check Your Internet Speed: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for streaming. Run a speed test to ensure your connection meets the recommended requirements for HD streaming.
- Restart Your Modem/Router: Similar to rebooting your receiver, restarting your internet equipment can often fix connectivity issues.
- App Updates: Ensure the streaming app you’re using (Prime Video, DirecTV Stream) is updated to the latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions About DirecTV and Thursday Night Football
Q1: Can I watch all Thursday Night Football games on DirecTV?
A1: You can watch many Thursday Night Football games directly on the NFL Network and FOX channels, which are available through standard DirecTV packages. However, some games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video, which requires a separate Amazon Prime subscription.
Q2: Does NFL Sunday Ticket include Thursday Night Football?
A2: No, NFL Sunday Ticket is for Sunday games only. Thursday Night Football is broadcast on different channels and platforms.
Q3: What DirecTV channel is NFL Network on?
A3: The DirecTV channel number for the NFL Network can vary depending on your location and package, but it is commonly found around channel 213. It’s always best to check your DirecTV on-screen guide for the most accurate channel number.
Q4: How do I get Amazon Prime Video on my DirecTV?
A4: DirecTV receivers typically do not come with Amazon Prime Video pre-installed. However, you can usually download the Amazon Prime Video app from your receiver’s app store if it’s a smart-enabled model. Alternatively, you can use a separate streaming device (like Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV) or access Prime Video on a computer or mobile device.
Q5: Are there extra costs for Thursday Night Football on DirecTV?
A5: If the games are on the NFL Network or your local FOX affiliate, and these channels are part of your existing DirecTV package, there are no extra costs. However, if you need to subscribe to Amazon Prime Video for exclusive games, that will incur a separate subscription fee. Upgrading your DirecTV sports packages to include the NFL Network would also involve an additional cost.
Q6: Can I record Thursday Night Football with DirecTV?
A6: Yes, if your DirecTV service includes a DVR (like the Genie DVR), you can record Thursday Night Football games to watch at your convenience.
By following this comprehensive guide, DirecTV subscribers can feel confident in their ability to stay connected to the excitement of Thursday Night Football throughout the NFL season. Whether it’s tuning into the NFL Network, catching games on FOX, or navigating streaming options, you’re well-equipped to enjoy every touchdown and every tackle.