Is the Chiefs Game on Amazon Prime? Your Ultimate Viewing Guide
Yes, sometimes a Kansas City Chiefs game is available on Amazon Prime Video. However, it’s not every game, and availability depends on the NFL schedule and Amazon’s broadcasting rights. Amazon Prime Video has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football (TNF), so if the Chiefs are scheduled to play on Thursday, it will most likely be available to stream on Prime Video. This article is your one-stop resource to understanding exactly when and how you can catch the Chiefs on Amazon Prime.
Understanding NFL Broadcasting Rights
Before we dive deeper, it’s crucial to understand the complex web of NFL broadcasting rights. The NFL distributes its games across various networks, including traditional television channels like CBS, NBC, Fox, and ESPN, as well as streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and ESPN+. These rights are negotiated years in advance and can change over time. Understanding this landscape is critical for knowing where to find your favorite team each week. Currently, Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, a significant piece of the NFL broadcasting pie.
Thursday Night Football and Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video acquired the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football games starting in the 2022 season. This means that if the Kansas City Chiefs are scheduled to play on a Thursday night, the only place to watch the game live (without cable) is on Amazon Prime Video. This exclusive arrangement marks a major shift in how NFL fans consume football, moving a traditionally television-centric experience into the digital realm.
How to Watch the Chiefs on Amazon Prime
Watching the Chiefs on Amazon Prime is relatively straightforward, but there are a few steps to ensure a seamless viewing experience.
Amazon Prime Subscription: First and foremost, you need an active Amazon Prime subscription. This subscription provides access to a variety of benefits, including free shipping, access to Prime Video’s library of movies and TV shows, and, of course, access to Thursday Night Football games.
Find the Game on Prime Video: Once you have a Prime subscription, simply navigate to the Prime Video app on your preferred device (smart TV, computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.). You can search for the game by typing “Thursday Night Football” or “Chiefs game” into the search bar. Usually, the game will be prominently featured on the Prime Video homepage leading up to the broadcast.
Supported Devices: Amazon Prime Video is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
- Streaming devices (Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Computers (through the Prime Video website)
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is essential for streaming live sports. Amazon recommends a minimum download speed of at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming.
Check Local Blackout Restrictions: In rare cases, certain games might be subject to local blackout restrictions. This typically occurs when the game is not sold out in the home team’s market. However, since TNF is broadcast nationally, blackouts are very unlikely on Amazon Prime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation:
1. What days of the week does Amazon Prime Video broadcast NFL games?
Amazon Prime Video exclusively broadcasts Thursday Night Football (TNF) games. They do not typically broadcast games on other days of the week, unless there are special circumstances or agreements.
2. How much does it cost to watch the Chiefs game on Amazon Prime?
You must have an Amazon Prime subscription to watch Thursday Night Football games. The cost of an Amazon Prime subscription varies depending on the plan you choose. You can opt for a monthly or annual subscription. There is no additional cost to watch the games once you are a Prime member.
3. Can I watch the Chiefs game on Amazon Prime if I live outside the United States?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video broadcasts Thursday Night Football games in several countries outside the United States, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others. However, availability may vary depending on your region. Check your local Amazon Prime Video website or app for details.
4. What if the Chiefs game is not on Thursday Night Football? Where else can I watch it?
If the Chiefs are playing on a day other than Thursday, you will need to refer to the NFL schedule to see which network is broadcasting the game. Other options include CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and NFL Network. You can access these channels through traditional cable or satellite providers, or through streaming services that offer live TV, like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV.
5. Does Amazon Prime offer a free trial to watch Thursday Night Football?
Yes, Amazon Prime typically offers a free trial to new subscribers. This trial period allows you to access all the benefits of Prime membership, including access to Prime Video and Thursday Night Football games. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of the free trial offer before signing up.
6. Can I record the Chiefs game on Amazon Prime Video?
Unfortunately, Amazon Prime Video does not currently offer a traditional DVR feature for recording live events. However, some streaming services, like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, allow you to record NFL games and watch them later.
7. What other NFL content is available on Amazon Prime Video?
Besides Thursday Night Football, Amazon Prime Video often offers other NFL-related content, such as documentaries, behind-the-scenes shows, and classic game replays. Check the Prime Video app for the latest offerings.
8. What kind of video quality can I expect when watching the Chiefs game on Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime Video typically streams Thursday Night Football games in high definition (HD), with some games available in Ultra HD (4K). The video quality will depend on your internet connection speed and the capabilities of your device.
9. What happens if my internet connection is poor while watching the Chiefs game on Amazon Prime?
If your internet connection is unstable, Amazon Prime Video may automatically reduce the video quality to ensure a smoother viewing experience. You can also manually adjust the video quality settings in the Prime Video app to better match your internet speed.
10. Can I watch the Chiefs game on Amazon Prime with friends and family?
Yes, Amazon Prime Video allows you to share your account with family members. However, there is a limit to the number of devices that can stream content simultaneously. The number of concurrent streams depends on your Amazon Prime plan.
11. Are there any alternative ways to stream the Chiefs game legally if it’s not on Amazon Prime?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, other streaming services offer live TV, including CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and NFL Network. These services include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV. You can also use the NFL+ service that streams local and primetime games on mobile devices and tablets. Always prioritize legal streaming options to support the NFL and avoid copyright infringement.
12. Will Amazon Prime continue to broadcast Thursday Night Football in the future?
Amazon Prime Video’s current deal for exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football extends through the 2032 season. Therefore, it is highly likely that Amazon Prime Video will continue to be the home of TNF for the foreseeable future. This makes understanding how to access and use Prime Video for NFL games essential for any football fan.
In conclusion, while not every Kansas City Chiefs game is on Amazon Prime, knowing that Thursday Night Football is their exclusive domain ensures you won’t miss those key matchups. Ensure you have a Prime subscription, a compatible device, and a reliable internet connection, and you’ll be set to enjoy the game. Now, go Chiefs!
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