TNF Tonight? Prime Video Schedule & How to Watch Free
Your Complete Guide to Watching NFL Preseason Week 2 Games Tonight
Welcome to your simple, no-jargon guide to catching all the NFL preseason action! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about football, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about tonight’s games and the full Week 2 schedule.
Tonight’s Thursday Night Matchups (August 20)
There are two games happening tonight, but neither is on Amazon Prime Video (more on that below).
Game 1: Las Vegas Raiders @ Houston Texans
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN
- What to watch for:
- Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza (the #1 overall draft pick!) made his debut last week — 10 of 16 passes, 1 touchdown
- Rookie RB Mike Washington Jr. ran for 63 yards on just 6 carries
Game 2: San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Chargers
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Channel: NFL Network
- Context: Chargers won their opener 27-7 vs. Texans; 49ers lost to Titans
Quick Definition: Preseason = practice games before the real season starts. Teams test new players, rookies get experience, and coaches decide who makes the final roster.
Is Thursday Night Football on Prime Video Tonight?
Nope!
The first and only preseason game on Prime Video is next Thursday, August 27 — Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots at 8:00 PM ET.
The first regular-season TNF game on Amazon is Week 2 (September 17): Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions.
How to Watch Tonight’s Games (With or Without Cable)
For the Raiders vs. Texans (8 PM ET on ESPN)
You can stream ESPN live with:
- A cable login (use your provider’s app/website)
- Any of these streaming services (all offer free trials):
- DIRECTV
- FuboTV
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
For the 49ers vs. Chargers (10 PM ET on NFL Network)
NFL Network is included with:
- Cable providers: Dish, Fios, Optimum, Xfinity, and more
- Streaming services (free trials available):
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV
- DIRECTV
- Fubo TV
- YouTube TV
- NFL+ (NFL’s own streaming service)
- ESPN Unlimited (see below)
Pro Tip: If you have a cable login, you can also watch NFL Network live on the NFL app.
Important: NFL Network is NOW on the ESPN App!
BIG NEWS: If you subscribe to ESPN Unlimited, you can now watch NFL Network right inside the ESPN app — no separate app needed!
You get ESPN Unlimited with an active subscription to:
- DIRECTV
- FuboTV
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Comcast Xfinity
- Spectrum TV
- Verizon FiOS
- U-Verse
- Cox
Full NFL Preseason Week 2 Schedule
All times Eastern. Games air across ESPN, ESPN Unlimited, FOX, and NFL Network.
Out-of-market games (games not on your local TV) can be streamed on NFL+ (phone, tablet, TV, PC).
Friday, August 21
| Game | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Jets @ Steelers | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Panthers @ Jaguars | 7:30 PM | ESPN Unlimited |
| Packers @ Broncos | 9:00 PM | NFL Network |
Saturday, August 22
| Game | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Commanders @ Lions | 12:00 PM | (Check local) |
| Bills @ Browns | 1:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Falcons @ Colts | 1:00 PM | (Check local) |
| Ravens @ Vikings | 1:00 PM | ESPN Unlimited |
| Saints @ Rams | 4:00 PM | ESPN Unlimited |
| Giants @ Dolphins | 4:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Bears @ Bengals | 7:00 PM | (Check local) |
| Eagles @ Patriots | 7:00 PM | NFL Network |
| Chiefs @ Buccaneers | 7:30 PM | ESPN Unlimited |
| Cowboys @ Cardinals | 10:00 PM | NFL Network |
Sunday, August 23
| Game | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Seahawks @ Titans | 8:00 PM | FOX |
Summary: What You Need to Know Right Now
- Two games tonight: Raiders-Texans (8 PM, ESPN) → 49ers-Chargers (10 PM, NFL Network)
- Not on Prime Video — that starts next week (Aug 27)
- Watch ESPN via cable or free trial on DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu+Live, YouTube TV
- Watch NFL Network via cable or free trial on Hulu+Live, Sling, DIRECTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, NFL+, ESPN Unlimited
- ESPN Unlimited now includes NFL Network in the ESPN app
- Full Week 2 schedule above — 15 games Fri–Sun
- NFL+ lets you stream out-of-market preseason games anywhere
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
1. What does "out-of-market" mean?
It means a game that isn’t being shown on your local TV channels. NFL+ lets you watch those games live on your devices.
2. Do I need cable to watch?
No! All the streaming services listed (Fubo, Hulu+Live, YouTube TV, Sling, DIRECTV) offer free trials — usually 5–7 days. Sign up, watch, cancel if you want.
3. What is NFL+?
It’s the NFL’s official streaming service. $6.99/mo (or $49.99/year) for live out-of-market preseason games, replays, and more. No cable needed.
4. Can I watch on my phone or tablet?
Yes! Every service mentioned has apps for iOS and Android. NFL+ works great on mobile too.
5. When does the real season start?
Regular season kicks off Thursday, September 11 (2026 season). Preseason ends after Week 3 (Aug 28–30).
Final Thought
Preseason football is where tomorrow’s stars get their first shots — like Fernando Mendoza and Mike Washington Jr. tonight. Grab a snack, pick a streaming free trial, and enjoy the show!
Football is back.