Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) makes a catch before being tacked by Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) and safety Xavier McKinney (29) during the Thursday Night Football game at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.

Amazon’s ‘TNF’ sees 11% spike in NFL ratings

The viewership of “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon Prime Video increased for the third straight season, up 11 percent from last season and 38 percent over the 2022 campaign.

Including the Las Vegas Raiders-Kansas City Chiefs matchup on Black Friday (average of 13.5 million viewers), the increase over last season’s viewership improves to 13 percent.

The 2024 season saw Amazon’s average per-game audience reach 13.2 million, per Nielsen, up from last year’s 11.86 million. Two years ago, Amazon averaged 9.58 million viewers.

While those figures fall short of the 16.2 million viewers that Fox and NFL Network averaged on Thursday night games in 2021, they show that Amazon is making positive strides. Amazon is also bringing in a younger audience — by nearly seven years than on linear TV in general and more than 14 years than on broadcast networks (CBS, Fox and NBC).

Among viewers ages 18-34, “TNF” averaged 2.61 million viewers, an increase of 37 percent over linear TV from Thursday games in 2021. Amazon also saw an uptick in viewership among fans ages 18-49 and 25-54.

Per Nielsen, “TNF” viewers had a median household income of $101,800, a 16 percent upgrade over NFL broadcasts on linear networks.

“We could not be more proud of our partnership with the NFL, our viewership growth and the innovations we’ve initiated for fans and brands over these first three seasons of TNF on Prime,” Prime Video global head of sports and ads Jay Marine said in a statement.

Though “TNF” is over for the season, Amazon will broadcast its first NFL wild-card game on Jan. 11 or 12. The date and game will be determined after the regular season, which ends on Sunday. Amazon will have a shot to challenge Netflix’s NFL streaming record of 24.3 million viewers set on Christmas Day.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) talks to head coach Jim Harbaugh during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Broncos-Chargers in, Browns-Bengals out in ‘TNF’ flex

The Week 16 contest between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers is moving game days and into prime time, the first-ever flex on the “Thursday Night Football” schedule on Amazon Prime Video.

Making way for the AFC West clash, which could have a bearing on the postseason schedule, is the AFC North game between the Cleveland Browns and the host Cincinnati Bengals. The two sub-.500 teams now will play Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. ET, flexed out of the Dec. 19 slot, giving the Broncos and Chargers the Thursday night spotlight from Inglewood, Calif.

The league announced the switch on Friday.

In May 2023, NFL owners approved moving a maximum of two Thursday night games scheduled in Weeks 13 through 17. It was to be a trial program for the 2023 season but extended to 2024 if no games were flexed in the earlier year. None were.

Entering Week 12 play, both the Chargers (7-3) and the Broncos (6-5) sit in wild-card position, with the Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) penciled into a spot as well as leaders of the AFC West.

The Bengals (4-7) have a playoff probability of 13 percent, while the chances of the Browns (3-8) stand at less than 1 percent, according to the NFL.

Both teams already have played a Prime Video game this season. The Bengals lost to the Baltimore Ravens 35-34 in a Lamar Jackson vs. Joe Burrow classic on Nov. 7, while the Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 after scoring a touchdown on a snow-covered field in Cleveland on Thursday.

Under the agreement struck with owners, the NFL can flex games by giving teams at least 28 days’ notice.

The leaves only the Week 17 game scheduled between Seattle and Chicago on Dec. 26 eligible to be flexed. Entering Week 12 play, the Seahawks are 5-5 and the Bears sit 4-6.

The most attractive option on the schedule for a potential flex is the showdown between NFC North rivals Green Bay and Minnesota. The Packers (7-3) and Vikings (8-2) currently are in wild-card position.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Thursday Night Football Amazon Prime play-by-play announcer Al Michaels during the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL ratings soar 24 percent for Amazon’s ‘TNF’ slate

In its second season as the exclusive streaming platform for the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” broadcasts, Amazon saw a 24 percent gain in viewership in 2023 over its first season.

In 2022, Amazon drew an average of 9.58 million viewers for “TNF,” but that number elevated significantly to 11.86 million viewers this season.

In comparison, Fox and the NFL Network drew 16.2 million viewers for Thursday night games in 2021. CBS, NBC and Fox on Sundays, along with ESPN/ABC on Mondays, draw more than 20 million viewers weekly.

Though streaming is thought to be more popular with younger people, Amazon’s overall audience – a 14 percent increase from 2022 — grew at a higher rate than the 18-34 demographic for “TNF.”

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) might be healthy enough to play Thursday against the Lions (file photo). Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Packers, Lions thinned by injuries in fight for division lead

Fighting for first place in the NFC North, the Packers and Lions renew acquaintances in Green Bay on Thursday night with Detroit determined to beat its rival for the fourth consecutive time.

“Certainly you want these more, because they’re for the division,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “These count. They have a significant impact on being a division winner.”

The Packers last beat the Lions in Week 2 of the 2021 season. Detroit ushered in the Jordan Love era by beating Aaron Rodgers in the regular-season finale at Lambeau Field last season (20-16).

“I know what they’re all about,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “It’s a tough, gritty team.”

Campbell started the week with a sleepover in his own office Sunday night, burying the idea of enjoying the win over the Atlanta Falcons for 24 hours. But he gets goosebumps thinking about the atmosphere that awaits the Lions, whose season-ending win in January also was in primetime.

“I told the rookies yesterday, ‘Get ready to live, man. This is good stuff here. These are the things that you’ll never forget when you’re done playing,’” Campbell said.

Love rallied the Packers from a 17-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to beat the New Orleans Saints, 18-17, in his first home start last week.

Short-week scenarios involving health are again relevant on either side.

Lions left tackle Taylor Decker plans to attempt to play Thursday with a high-ankle sprain that kept him out the past two games. He was one of four offensive linemen on the injury report Monday.

If Decker holds up, right tackle Penei Sewell can return to his usual position.

Even if the front five isn’t whole, Campbell expects pass protection in front of Jared Goff to be better and the running game to make progress. After rushing for 2,179 yards last season, Detroit is averaging a full yard less per carry — 3.6 yards and 24th in the NFL — through three games in 2023.

Green Bay’s ground game is down as well (3.43 yards per carry ranks 26th), denting the Packers’ play-action passing attack. Injuries to the line and starting running backs David Montgomery (Lions) and Aaron Jones (Packers) created shuffling and a negative domino effect.

Jones and purported No. 1 receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) are trending toward playing this week. Watson hasn’t played this season after collecting seven TDs as a rookie. He caught five passes for 104 yards in the Week 18 loss to the Lions last season. Jones had 21 total carries for 73 yards in two losses to the Lions in 2022.

“We’ve got a lot of ball in front of us and obviously we’ve got a great test in front of us. It would certainly help us if those two guys were available,” LaFleur said.

There is less optimism about starting left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) and left guard Elgton Jenkins (knee). Jenkins was injured Sept. 17 at Atlanta. Bakhtiari hasn’t played since Week 1 and right tackle David Tom (knee) couldn’t finish the game last week.

Behind a makeshift line the past two weeks, Goff is consistently connecting with rookie Sam LaPorta, including a 45-yard touchdown in Week 3. LaPorta has 18 receptions in his first three games, an NFL record for a tight end. He’s second on the team to Amon-Ra St. Brown (21-275-1) in catches.

Sewell and Goff are on high alert for outside linebacker Rashan Gary, who was awarded the defensive game ball last week in his third game back from a torn ACL. Gary had 3.0 sacks to boost Green Bay’s comeback win. He had five pressures in 20 pass-rush opportunities.

“The postgame, you could see how much it means to that kid,” Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry said. “You talk about all-in.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA;The NFL shield and Kansas City Chiefs logos on the field at Super Bowl 57 at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL owners approve flex scheduling for ‘TNF’ games

NFL owners on Monday approved a modified proposal allowing for flex scheduling of “Thursday Night Football” games.

According to ESPN, the change passed by a 24-8 vote, with the New York Giants, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers voting against it.

Per the resolution, Thursday games on Amazon Prime can only be flexed between Weeks 13 and 17 and require a four-week notice.

The flexible scheduling is on “a trial basis,” the resolution notes. Also, teams are limited to two Thursday night games per season.

Three teams — the Bears, Steelers and New Orleans Saints — are currently slated for two Thursday night games in 2023, with the Steelers hosting both of their Thursday games.

If no Thursday night games are flexed this season, the resolution will carry over to the 2024 season.

–Field Level Media

Feb 8, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks to media during a press conference at Media Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Roger Goodell says NFL officiating never better

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that the officiating in the league has never been better.

Goodell made the assertion at his annual news conference in Phoenix ahead of Super Bowl LVII — his state of the NFL address.

Goodell touched on several other flashpoints — including minority hiring, player health and safety, the Washington Commanders investigation and potential sale, future plans to flex “Thursday Night Football” and when the site of Super Bowl LX will be announced.

On the topic of officiating, Goodell said mistakes are unavoidable but threw his full support behind the crews.

“I don’t think it’s ever been better in the league,” Goodell said. “There are over 42,000 plays in a season. Multiple infractions could occur on any play. Take that out or extrapolate that. That’s hundreds if not millions of potential fouls. And our officials do an extraordinary job of getting those. Are there mistakes in the context of that? Yes, they are not perfect and officiating never will be.”

His comments come less than two weeks since controversial calls in both championship games.

“We may not agree with every TV announcer or officiating expert, but we think our officials are doing a great job,” Goodell said.

Reacting to recent comments from Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who said the officials’ inconsistency was due to several referees leaving for network TV roles, Goodell said that wasn’t a factor.

“Are we losing people from the field to the booth? There are some that never even officiated on the NFL field, and so we didn’t lose anyone,” Goodell said. “We may have lost them from our office, but we didn’t lose them from officiating on the field. Others are taking on that responsibility at the end of their careers. So, I do not think that’s a factor at all. Zero.”

Goodell touched on several other topics Wednesday:

Minority hirings: Goodell credited the recently implemented coach and front office accelerator program with helping to introduce teams to a more diverse candidate pool. The commissioner told reporters that the program introduced the Tennessee Titans to their new general manager, Ran Carthon, in December.

Carthon, who is Black, is one of two minority GM or head coach candidates hired so far during this year’s cycle, along with DeMeco Ryans, who was named head coach of the Houston Texans last month.

“We’re gonna continue (the accelerator program),” Goodell said. “Our commitment’s strong to that. But that’s just one. We had a number of other programs that we’ve put in that I think are going to produce long-term results.

“Now we all want short-term results, but it’s important to have it be sustainable for the future, and we believe diversity makes us stronger. It’s about attracting the best talent and giving them the best opportunity to be successful. To me, that’s at the core of what we do. We want the changes to be really fundamental and sound and sustainable.”

Health and safety: Goodell addressed the modified concussion protocols that the NFL and the NFLPA agreed to after an investigation determined that the previous protocols did not lead to the intended result with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

“Any time we can change the protocols to make it safer for our players, we’re gonna do that,” Goodell said. “What we changed in October is something that we thought would give us a better opportunity to treat those conditions more conservatively. … I think that’s also why concussions went up this year because we had a broader definition, a more conservative definition. We had an increase of 17 percent of evaluations. So if you have more evaluations, you’re going to have more concussions.”

The commissioner added that the next move in concussion prevention will be improvements to the helmets.

Washington Commanders investigation/potential sale: On the topic of Mary Jo White’s investigation into misconduct by the team’s owner, Daniel Snyder, Goodell said there’s no timeline in place for White to conclude her investigation and report her findings to the NFL.

“There is no timeline given to Mary Jo White,” Goodell said. “She is authorized to work independently. There is no timeline for her to come to any conclusions.”

As for the potential sale of the team, Goodell said the process of finding a buyer is underway but the league won’t be involved until the other owners vote whether to approve a deal.

“The Commanders are under a process. That’s their process. Ultimately, if they reach a conclusion and have someone joining the ownership group or buying the team, that’s something the ownership will look at.”

Site of Super Bowl LX: The Super Bowl locations for the next two seasons are set, with Las Vegas hosting Super Bowl LVII and New Orleans welcoming Super Bowl LIX to town in 2025.

As for the 60th (LX) and 61st (LXI) Super Bowls, Goodell said the selection for LX in 2026 will be made later this year. LXI’s location in 2027 could also be determined in 2023.

“Thursday Night Football” flex?: With flexible scheduling for “Monday Night Football” being implemented this year for December games, Goodell hinted that the league’s schedule could include flex games for “Thursday Night Football” in the future.

“This is the first year of our new deals which will have flexible scheduling on Monday night,” he said. “So we’ll have flexible scheduling on Sundays and Mondays, it wouldn’t at all surprise me at some point that we have it on Thursdays, at some stage. Not today, but it’ll certainly be something that’ll be on our horizon.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Amazon records big numbers in ‘TNF’ debut

The first-ever “Thursday Night Football” game on Amazon’s Prime Video averaged 13.03 million viewers — better that Amazon projected — according to Nielsen.

That figure also includes the local broadcasts in the home markets of the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.

Amazon had guaranteed advertisers at least 12.5 million viewers for the Thursday night games. Variety said the viewership for the Sept. 15 game, won by the Chiefs, exceeded the 8.84 million people who watched last season’s Thursday night opener on NFL Network and through digital services.

Prime is a subscription-only service that costs $139 a year and includes a variety of benefits, including free shipping on purchases made on Amazon. CNBC reported that a record number of people who wanted to watch last Thursday’s game signed up for Prime — more than on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers meet Thursday night to kick off Week 3, with Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit on the call.

–Field Level Media