Who’s Playing Thursday Night Football? What TV Channel Is Airing Tonight

The Minnesota Vikings take on the Los Angeles Chargers tonight in a much-anticipated Week 8 Thursday Night Football clash at SoFi Stadium. The game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Fans wondering what channel the game is on should know that Thursday Night Football is now an Amazon Prime Video exclusive broadcast.

That means this game won’t be shown on traditional television networks like FOX, CBS, or NBC. Instead, fans can stream the matchup live with an Amazon Prime subscription — or sign up for a free trial to watch tonight’s game without cost.

How to Watch Thursday Night Football on TV or Stream Free

Thursday Night Football (TNF) is no longer carried on cable or broadcast TV for national audiences. The only way to watch Vikings vs. Chargers live is through Amazon Prime Video. Local markets in Los Angeles and Minneapolis may still have regional coverage, but nationally, it’s streaming-only.

Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT, 5:15 p.m. PT), and fans can watch on smart TVs, laptops, or mobile devices through the Prime Video app. For those without Prime, a free 30-day trial includes access to TNF games, movies, and exclusive series.

Thursday Night Football Schedule and Upcoming Games

The 2025 TNF schedule continues with several high-profile matchups. After tonight’s Vikings vs. Chargers clash, the next three TNF games on Amazon Prime Video are:

• October 30: Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins
• November 6: Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders
• November 13: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings (rematch later in season)

All games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video at 8:15 p.m. ET every Thursday.

Chargers vs. Vikings: Game Preview and Prediction

This Week 8 matchup features two teams fighting to steady their seasons. The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, enter as 3.5-point favorites, according to oddsmakers. The Vikings, starting Carson Wentz in place of injured rookie J.J. McCarthy, hope to rely on their aggressive defense and star receiver Justin Jefferson to pull off an upset.

Los Angeles has struggled with offensive line consistency despite standout rookie tackle Joe Alt. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s defense ranks among the league’s most blitz-heavy units, which could make things difficult for Herbert if protection breaks down again.

Prediction: Experts are split. Some analysts, including Tim Brown of The Oregonian, favor the Vikings’ defense to disrupt Herbert and steal a win, while others expect the Chargers to hold firm at home. The betting total is set at 44.5 points, suggesting a high-scoring matchup. Final projection: Chargers 31, Vikings 21.

What Time Does TNF Start and Where to Watch Replay

The live broadcast begins at 8:15 p.m. ET, with pregame coverage starting 30 minutes earlier on Prime Video. For those who miss the game, NFL Network will re-air the matchup at 12:15 a.m. ET early Friday morning.

Fans can also replay the full broadcast anytime through the Amazon Prime Video platform once the live event concludes.

In summary: Thursday Night Football is exclusively streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Vikings vs. Chargers kicks off tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with the Chargers slightly favored by oddsmakers.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What channel is Thursday Night Football on?

Thursday Night Football airs exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. It’s not available on traditional TV channels like FOX or CBS.

Q2: What time does Vikings vs. Chargers start?

The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Q3: How can I watch Thursday Night Football for free?

You can stream TNF for free by signing up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial, which includes access to Prime Video.

Q4: Who is favored to win Vikings vs. Chargers?

The Chargers are favored by 3.5 points, with the total points line set at 44.5 according to betting sites.

Q5: What are the next Thursday Night Football games?

Next TNF games include Ravens vs. Dolphins (Oct. 30), Broncos vs. Raiders (Nov. 6), and Chargers vs. Vikings (Nov. 13).