When Is Thursday Night Football Tonight? Bills vs Texans Time, Channel and How to Watch

The big question — when is Thursday Night Football tonight — is answered with a primetime AFC clash. The Buffalo Bills face the Houston Texans on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET and the game airs on Prime with streaming on NFL+.

The matchup features two teams pushing for playoff position as the Bills enter at 7-3 and the Texans sit at 5-5. The NFL confirmed the full Week 12 schedule earlier this week, giving fans another strong slate of nationally televised games.

What to Know About Thursday Night Football Tonight

Fans asking when is Thursday Night Football tonight are tuning in for one of the most important Week 12 matchups. Buffalo visits Houston with both teams dealing with injuries that could shape the game plan. According to reports from AP and other trusted outlets, Houston will again be without quarterback C.J. Stroud due to a concussion. Davis Mills is expected to start.

The Bills will also be missing several key players. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) has been ruled out. Wide receivers Curtis Samuel (elbow/neck) and Mecole Hardman (calf) are also unavailable. Buffalo remains heavily dependent on Josh Allen, who accounted for six total touchdowns in Week 11.

The Texans defeated Tennessee 16-13 last week behind Mills and a strong defensive effort. Buffalo beat Tampa Bay 44-32 in one of its most explosive offensive performances of the year. Both teams have won three of their last four games, intensifying the stakes for tonight’s contest.

Prime continues to serve as the home of Thursday Night Football through the NFL’s media rights agreement. NFL+ gives fans an additional streaming option for mobile and tablet viewing.

How This Game Shapes the Week 12 Picture

Thursday Night Football often sets the tone for the weekend, and this matchup is no exception. The Bills are chasing key AFC seeding, while the Texans aim to climb above .500 and stay in the playoff mix. Houston’s defense, especially its young secondary, has drawn national attention after recent strong performances.

Buffalo’s offense, meanwhile, has been one of the league’s most efficient when healthy. Losing Kincaid alters the red-zone strategy, but the Bills still carry one of the NFL’s strongest quarterback-led attacks.

The broader impact reaches across Week 12, as both divisions — the AFC East and AFC South — remain tightly contested. A win tonight could shift momentum heading into the Sunday schedule. Fans searching for when is Thursday Night Football tonight will find this game particularly relevant due to playoff implications and the national spotlight.

Tonight’s primetime game answers the question of when is Thursday Night Football tonight with a high-stakes AFC matchup, a national broadcast on Prime, and major postseason implications. The showdown in Houston is expected to draw strong attention from fans across the league.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is Thursday Night Football tonight?

Kickoff for Thursday Night Football is at 8:15 p.m. ET tonight. The game airs on Prime from NRG Stadium in Houston.

Q2: Who plays Thursday Night Football tonight?

The Buffalo Bills face the Houston Texans in the Week 12 primetime matchup.

Q3: What channel is the NFL game on today?

Tonight’s NFL game is on Prime. Streaming is also available on NFL+.

Q4: How can I stream Thursday Night Football?

You can stream the game through Prime or watch on NFL+ for mobile and tablet devices.

Q5: What time does the Bills vs Texans game start?

The game begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.