Thursday nights have opened up significantly with the NFL regular season now in the rearview mirror. As fans transition from mid-week football to other priorities, grocery shopping and other tasks can finally take center stage without the distraction of “Thursday Night Football.” While the NFL’s regular Thursday night schedule has concluded, some fans might still wonder if any postseason games have slipped into the coveted slot. The answer is a resounding “no.” Here’s a breakdown of why Thursday games are done for the season, along with a look at the upcoming conference championship round.
Thursday Night Football: A Season Recap
The NFL said goodbye to Thursday night games after Week 17 of the regular season. The final matchup featured the Seattle Seahawks edging out the Chicago Bears in a low-scoring affair, 6-3. Amazon Prime, the exclusive broadcaster of “Thursday Night Football,” concluded its coverage with this game. Although Amazon extended its involvement with the wild-card round, no playoff games have been scheduled for Thursday nights.
Fans of the Thursday night tradition will need to wait until the fall for its return. In the meantime, Amazon Prime can go back to focusing on quick deliveries of essentials while football enthusiasts shift their attention to the drama of Sunday matchups.
A Look Back at the 2024 Thursday Night Football Schedule
This season’s “Thursday Night Football” slate featured thrilling games and unforgettable moments. Here’s a recap of the action:
- Week 1: Kansas City Chiefs 27, Baltimore Ravens 20
- Week 2: Buffalo Bills 31, Miami Dolphins 10
- Week 3: New York Jets 24, New England Patriots 3
- Week 4: Dallas Cowboys 20, New York Giants 15
- Week 5: Atlanta Falcons 36, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30 (OT)
- Week 6: San Francisco 49ers 36, Seattle Seahawks 24
- Week 7: Denver Broncos 33, New Orleans Saints 10
- Week 8: Los Angeles Rams 30, Minnesota Vikings 20
- Week 9: New York Jets 21, Houston Texans 13
- Week 10: Baltimore Ravens 35, Cincinnati Bengals 34
- Week 11: Philadelphia Eagles 26, Washington Commanders 18
- Week 12: Cleveland Browns 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 19
- Week 13 (Thanksgiving):
- Detroit Lions 23, Chicago Bears 20
- Dallas Cowboys 27, New York Giants 20
- Green Bay Packers 30, Miami Dolphins 17
- Week 14: Detroit Lions 34, Green Bay Packers 31
- Week 15: Los Angeles Rams 12, San Francisco 49ers 6
- Week 16: Los Angeles Chargers 34, Denver Broncos 27
- Week 17: Seattle Seahawks 6, Chicago Bears 3
- Week 18: No Thursday game
As the playoffs rolled in, the Thursday night slot went quiet. Here’s a quick look at how the postseason schedule unfolded without Thursday games:
- Wild Card Weekend: No Thursday game
- Divisional Round: No Thursday game
- Conference Championship Round: No Thursday game
Why No Playoff Games on Thursday Nights?
The absence of Thursday night playoff games isn’t an oversight. It’s a deliberate decision by the NFL, aimed at maximizing viewership and ensuring player safety. Thursday night games are often criticized for their short turnaround time, which can lead to injuries and decreased performance. In the postseason, where stakes are high, the league prioritizes giving teams adequate rest and preparation time.
Moreover, playoff games are carefully scheduled to draw the largest possible audiences. Sundays have traditionally been the NFL’s marquee day for games, and the league’s postseason schedule reflects this, with matchups taking place on weekends to accommodate fans and broadcasters.
NFL Conference Championship Round Schedule
This weekend, the NFL’s conference championship games promise intense action as teams battle for a spot in Super Bowl 59. Here’s the schedule for Sunday, January 26, with all times in Eastern:
- Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
- Time: 3 p.m.
- Network: Fox
- Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Network: CBS
The winners of these two games will advance to the Super Bowl, setting up a high-stakes showdown to crown this season’s champion.
Memorable Thursday Night Games From 2024
The 2024 season featured several unforgettable moments on Thursday nights, including:
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 5): A thrilling overtime victory for the Falcons highlighted their offensive firepower.
- Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Week 10): This high-scoring affair showcased two of the league’s top quarterbacks in a nail-biting finish.
- Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (Week 14): A close contest that ended with the Lions edging out their division rival by three points.
These games epitomized the excitement and unpredictability that fans love about Thursday Night Football.
What’s Next for Thursday Night Football?
While the current season is winding down, Thursday Night Football will return in the fall with a fresh slate of games. Amazon Prime will continue as the exclusive broadcaster, bringing fans more thrilling matchups and storylines. Until then, football enthusiasts can look forward to the drama of the conference championships and Super Bowl 59.
Why Fans Love Thursday Night Football
For many fans, Thursday Night Football offers a mid-week escape and sets the tone for the weekend ahead. It’s a unique opportunity to see teams that might not often play in prime time, and the shorter turnaround creates a different kind of challenge for players and coaches. Despite its criticisms, Thursday Night Football has carved out a special place in the hearts of fans and continues to be a key part of the NFL’s broadcast strategy.
Conclusion
As the NFL playoffs heat up, fans will have to make do without Thursday night games until next season. The focus now shifts to the conference championship round and the Super Bowl, where the league’s best teams will battle for glory. While Thursday nights may feel a bit emptier, the anticipation for Sunday’s matchups is a reminder of why the NFL remains America’s most popular sport. So, for now, enjoy the playoffs, make your picks, and start counting down the days until Thursday Night Football returns this fall.
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