Finding ways to watch Thursday Night Football without spending money has become increasingly important as more games move to streaming platforms. Let me share some legitimate options that won’t cost you a dime.
Free Trial Streaming Services
Amazon Prime Video currently holds the rights to Thursday Night Football, and while it typically requires a subscription, you can take advantage of their 30-day free trial. Just remember to mark your calendar and cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to keep the service. Fun fact: I’ve helped many friends time their free trials perfectly to catch the most important games of the season.
NFL+ Free Trial
The NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+, offers a 7-day free trial that includes live local and primetime games on mobile devices. While this might not be ideal for watching on your big screen TV, it’s perfect for catching the game while you’re on the go or if you’re willing to watch on your tablet.
Legal Over-the-Air Options
Here’s a secret many cord-cutters don’t realize: you can still watch some Thursday Night Football games with a simple digital antenna. While most games are exclusive to Amazon Prime in 2025, games broadcast on local networks are still available this way. I personally use this method quite often and get crystal-clear HD quality.
Sports Bar Alternative
While not technically “free,” watching at a sports bar often only costs the price of a drink or appetizer. Many establishments don’t have minimum purchase requirements, though it’s courteous to order something. I’ve found this option particularly enjoyable for big games when you want to experience the excitement with other fans.
Social Viewing Options
Consider organizing a viewing party with friends who have access to the game. This creates a fun social experience while sharing the cost (or using someone’s subscription). I’ve been part of several Thursday night watch groups where we rotate hosting duties and everyone brings snacks to share.
Important Notes
Remember that the availability of these options can vary by location and game. Some methods might require you to watch on specific devices or deal with certain restrictions. The key is to plan ahead – especially if you’re going to use free trials. I always recommend checking the broadcast schedule in advance to ensure you know exactly where each game will be available.
By combining these different approaches throughout the season, you can catch most Thursday Night Football games without spending money on additional subscriptions. Just be sure to stay away from illegal streaming sites that could put your device at risk or violate broadcasting rights.
