As part of its deal with the NFL, Thursday Night Football is streaming exclusively on Amazon's Prime [View all]

Can I watch NFL Thursday night games for free on broadcast television?
This is where things get a little tricky. If you live in the home town of one of the two teams that are playing on any particular Thursday, you’ll likely have an opportunity to watch, even if you don’t have an Amazon Prime account. Simulcasts will be offered on broadcast networks, letting you watch for free with a good HD antenna.

But if you’re outside of the range of those stations, streaming or a trip to the local sports bar is your only option.

Can I stream NFL Thursday night games live online if I don’t have an Amazon Prime account?
No. While the many streaming services can help you watch games any other day, Amazon has exclusivity to these games, preventing other streaming services from carrying them.

What changes will Amazon bring to the NFL games it airs?
Amazon gets that the streaming audience could be a bit different than the broadcast one, so it’s planning some unique twists on the game.

It will, for instance, overlay stats and game updates using its “X-Ray” technology, much like it offers information on which actors are in a scene during a film or TV show. An alternate stream will also be made for younger audiences, with the YouTube group Dude Perfect replacing the standard play-by-play and color commentary team.

Who is Amazon’s broadcast team?
Amazon has hired some of the most recognizable announcers and commentators as it jumps into the NFL. Al Michaels, who has called both Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football, will lead the team. Kirk Herbstreit, who has focused mainly on college games and been a key player on ESPN’s “College GameDay” program, will be the color commentator. And All-Pro players Richard Sherman and Tony Gonzalez will be analysts, alongside former Los Angeles Ram Andrew Whitworth and Ryan Fitzpatrick, who played with nine teams during his career.

Will I be able to watch Thursday Night Football at my favorite bar or restaurant?
Yes. Amazon struck a deal with DirecTV that will allow over 300,000 bars and restaurants round the country to air the game

Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the Thursday night games?
Kind of. The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market as well as any played in prime time.